Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA): a Sustainable, Pioneering Alternative for Marine Cultures in Galicia

Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture (IMTA): A sustainable, pioneering alternative for marine cultures in Galicia. Salvador Guerrero, Javier Cremades

To cite this version:

Salvador Guerrero, Javier Cremades. Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture (IMTA): A sustainable, pioneering alternative for marine cultures in Galicia.. Guerrero S., Cremades J. Regional Government of Galicia (Spain), pp.111, 2012, 13:978-84-695-3260-7. hal-00743395

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Published by Regional Government of Galicia PHIC Regional Council of the Rural O A INTEGRATED Multi-trophic AQUACULTTR URE Q and Regional Maritime Environment I– U Marine Research Centre T A A sustainable, pioneering alternative L C

Vilanova de Arousa (Pontevedra) U U

2012 M L T

for marine cultures in Galicia U

E R

Editors IMTAE

I R N G T Salvador Guerrero; Javier Cremades E

Editorial Jorge García

Translation Ian Emmett

Cover illustrations Xaquín Chaves

Coordination, design, graphics editing, infography and lay-out Margarita Paulos mp & asociados DISEÑO / COMUNICACIÓN www.margapaulos.com [email protected]

This edition has been funded through the JACUMAR National Plan entitled “Acuicultura Integrada: experiencias piloto para el desarrollo de sistemas de cultivo XUNTA DE GALICIA multitróficos, 2008-2011” Consellería do Medio Rural e do Mar (“Integrated aquaculture: pilot experiences Centro de Investigacións Mariñas for the development of multitrophic culture systems, 2008-2011”), from the Spanish Ministry Vilanova de Arousa (Pontevedra) of Agriculture, Food and Environment. 2012 Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture: The essence of a pioneering commitment to sustainability

he notion that European aquaculture aquaculture, it is integrated multi-trophic Aquaculture Strategy, which will have, as should make a decided effort to aquaculture (IMTA) as this demonstrates that far as common objectives are concerned, an T relaunch its mission to provide food, it is a way of drawing together expertise, element of reference in IMTA to work on the to generate employment and economic commitment to the future and the awareness way ahead in the development of Galician wealth is a fact that is firmly implanted in all as to how to progress towards it. aquaculture. administrative spheres, be they at community, state or regional level. IMTA is primed to achieve total respect for IMTA may, in the case of Galicia, be a vital the environment where waste is converted driving force for the future and may trigger Furthermore, in Galicia this mission is being into usable assets, while consumables are achieving this relaunching of aquaculture, Rosa Quintana Carballo. tackled with the best mechanisms available, kept to a minimum, thus contributing to steering it towards a rationalization of uses Regional Counsellor for with know-how and expertise, seeking to sustain the activity in the best possible of space, of achieving full economic activity the Rural and Maritime Environment. achieve far-reaching results, doing so in a manner. of positive synergies with zero impact on the positive manner, to ensure that this activity environment. To this end, it is our intention will be fully sustainable in social, economic Also, this work formula takes on board and and duty, at the Regional Council for the and environmental terms, in such a manner captures the need to move ahead in making Rural and Maritime Environment, to be that the combination of all these elements use of and optimizing the space, ensuring involved in its development and practical will be fully balanced. that the impact of aquaculture is reduced in implementation. coastal areas. There is no doubt about the fact that, in But to achieve this, initiatives such as this times such as these, where it is necessary to Finally, it is essential to highlight the ability of publication, promoted by Salvador Guerrero provide ourselves with sources of nutritional this production formula when referring to its and Javier Cremades, are vital as they clearly foods and tested hygiene-sanitary safety, capacity to draw synergies and diversification set out our heading for us while helping us to apart from having a revitalizing element together, in terms of economic activity since define it better. as well as economic and employment the interdependence of cultures and the It is to them and their collaborators that diversification in the coastal areas where possibility to generate mutually beneficial we extend our thanks, on behalf of the it is and intends to continue to be a relationships are aspects to be taken into administration and the aquaculture sector cornerstone in the way of living of local account when it comes to expanding IMTA since by obtaining, as indicated in the inhabitants. into practical production terms. heading, of a sustainable, pioneering alternative for our marine cultures, holds a But however, if there is a concept able to Galicia is firmly committed to aquaculture vital key in IMTA. With this initiative, Galicia harness the essence of progress in this and has done so directly and practically draws nearer to relaunching its aquaculture common commitment to the future of by drafting and developing the Galician on the right road. 4 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 5

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS FORWARD

We wish to express our thanks to the Marine Culture Advisory Committee (JACUMAR), he processes involved in marine and continental be ecologically efficient, environmentally friendly, for promoting and backing the programme of multi-trophic aquaculture experiences conducted in Galicia, an initiative that has made this publication possible. aquaculture have the advantage of being able diversified and profitable; in short, a socially beneficial Likewise, mention should be made of the Regional Council for the Rural and Maritime Environment at the Regional Government of Galicia for supporting and taking to be developed in extensive coastal or fluvial activity. Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) is on the management of areas of the project, besides solving many of the problems of all kinds that arose in the course of the various experiences. T zones, with the proviso that their activities are seen to a production strategy, which, through the combined The disinterested, voluntary collaboration of the companies that have provided us with access to their facilities, granting areas, be sustainable for the environment. This is currently the culture of different commercial species, has sufficient energy and seawater, have been essential elements for carrying out our experiences. main challenge facing the marine culture sector, which, potential to achieve such objectives. It is set to head the Our thanks are also due to the personnel that has worked and continues working in the project, both grant holders and contracted staff, students on practicals as well according FAO data, is very close to reaching 50% of so-called Turquoise Revolution. as students on the Galician Inter-university Master Degree course, who have completed their end of master degree work in some of the experiences in the project: the total amount of fish annually assigned to human CIMA (Centro of Marine Research) consumption worldwide. In some countries with a highly developed aquaculture, Cristina Ancosmede Garduño; Josefa Domínguez Bastos; Alejandro Cores Rodríguez; Laura Pérez Piñeiro IMTA generates an added value to marine cultures since University of A Coruña Also, the increasing difficulties in extractive fishing and its products have access to labelling that certifies to Ahmed Fawzi Ali Alamrousi; Marta Andrade García; Daniel Carcajona Alcol; Sonia Ocaña Falcón; Sergio Pérez Cordero; José Ribamar Da Cruz Freitas Junior the increasing influence and efficacy of the regional consumers that the fish, crustacean, mollusc or alga has fisheries organizations that also regulate this activity, been reared with systems that have a low, zero or even a El Bocal Algae Culture Facility (Spanish Institute of Oceanography, Santander) Juan Manuel Salinas; Carmen Fuertes lead to forecasts that, with the due sanitary guarantees positive impact on the environment. and a sustainable production strategy, aquaculture is Aquacría S.L. Sergio Devesa heading for becoming the provider of an increasingly The experiences described in this publication have, as important quota of proteins, both of animal and one of their main references, involved the ideas and Porto Muiños S.L. Antonio Muiños vegetable origin, usable in our food. criterion of Thierry Chopin, a scientist leading the most prestigious international research group in this field, Punta Moreiras S.L. José Juan Sanmartín Ruano The “boom” in the growth of aquaculture experienced whose works are considered as foundational in IMTA. As since the nineties has been termed the Blue Revolution a result of our relationship with Chopin, established at Marcultura S.A. Antonio Pallarés Méndez because the production and distribution of farmed the very outset of this work, us researchers working in marine products has increased, over a period of 20 this field in Galicia were invited to collaborate in drafting Seasalter Shellfish Ltd. Pablo Guerrero Gómez years, to become consolidated as a similar offer and in a publication that would divulge the extent to which competition with that of caught fish. these methods in worldwide aquaculture are currently in Intertidal Parks María Otero Otero in O Grove place and just what their outlook for the future is. José Antonio Rodríguez Méndez in Carril Fisheries administrations at autonomic, state, regional Technicians at the mollusc “mini-nursery” in Camariñas community and international levels work with Regional Council for the Rural and Maritime Environment /CETMAR the fishfarming industry in drafting sustainability Intecmar (Technological Institute for the Monitoring of the Marine Environment in Galicia) regulations for this increasingly efficient activity. This process calls for responsible practices and systems, Canadian Embassy in Madrid Lorraine Choquette with a need for research to enable aquaculture to Salvador Guerrero and Javier Cremades, April, 2012 6 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 7

CONTENTS

1 Open sea farming of the food seaweed Saccharina latissima associated with floating mussel beds SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE FOR DIVERSIFYING CULTURES in the Ria of Ares and Betanzos (A Coruña) ��45 AND FOR PROTECTING MARINE ENVIRONMENT QUALITY ��9 Description of the experience...... 46 Ecosystemic approach...... 11 Results and Discussion...... 48 Scientists and work...... 13 References...... 49 International programmes...... 16 The JACUMAR Project �� 16 Biofiltration of solids from the effluent of a turbot farming plant in a closed circuit, with filtering molluscs (clam and oyster), suspensivore invertebrates (anemone) and food macroalgae 2 (Saccharina latissima, Codium spp. y Ulva spp.) in O Grove (Pontevedra) �� 51 MACROALGAE, EFFICIENT BIOFILTRATORS WITH COMMERCIAL VALUE ��21 Description of the experience...... 52 Creating ecosystems...... 22 Results...... 54 Biofiltering with macroalgae...... 23 Conclusions...... 57 Selection criterion...... 25 The best candidates...... 26 Ongrowing of grooved carpet shell and carpet shell clams from New products, new markets...... 28 multi-trophic seedbed at the farming park in Carril (Pontevedra) ��58 Objective...... 58 3 Material and Methods...... 58 DR. THIERRY CHOPIN PROPOSES A DEVELOPMENT TOWARDS MARINE CULTURES Results...... 60 THAT ARE MORE RESPONSIBLE WITH THE ECOSYSTEM �� 31 Conclusions...... 61

“IMTA is the general concept, but like in Bach’s music, there are themes and many variations” Incorporation of cultures of Saccharina latissima and of suspensivore and filtering invertebrates The French-born scientist, who emigrated to Canada in 1989, is considered by many to be one in a turbot and common sole production plant, with water recirculation, in Cambados (Pontevedra) ��63 of the key leaders in the development of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture �� 31 Previous experiences...... 64 Food macroalgae cultures...... 65 4 Invertebrate cultures. Anemones...... 67 RESEARCH BODIES AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR Polychaetes...... 68 TAKE PART IN EXPERIENCES WITH INTEGRATED AQUACULTURE IN GALICIA �� 37 Conclusions �� 69

Integrated farming of macroalgae in fish cages in the ria of Muros and Noia (A Coruña) �� 39 5 DESCRIPTION OF THE EXPERIENCE...... 40 TESTIMONIALS �� 71 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION...... 41 Scientists and experts provide criteria, data and results of experiences ReferencEs...... 43 in the field of sustainable integrated aquaculture �� 71 8 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 9

1 SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE FOR Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) DIVERSIFYING CULTURES AND FOR PROTECTING MARINE ENVIRONMENT QUALITY Fed aquaculture Suspension extractive aquaculture (Finfish) + Organic Inorganic By Jorge García ([email protected]) (Shellfish) (Seaweeds) he growing interest shown over the last few years by a number of Tcountries with a fishing tradition in researching into Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) is positive, promising news for the future of marine cultures. Experimental works conducted in this field, over the last three decades, in Canada, Nutrient zone Chile, South Africa, Israel and China (Chopin et al., 2008; Barrington et al., 2009) and, more recently, in the United Kingdom (particularly in Scotland), Ireland, Spain, Portugal, France, Turkey, Norway, Japan, Korea, Thailand, U.S.A. and Mexico, are aimed experimenting with integrating fish cultures with those of algae, molluscs, Organic matter crustaceans and other marine invertebrates. in small particles

Organic matter in Dissolved INorganic In this regard, it is a widespread notion in large particles matter the scientific community that one of the most complex stages of these processes at the industrial phase, is to make a selection of species that are efficient while finding the correct proportion in which they should Faeces and occur. pseudofaeces

Another of the main criterion in this line of Deposit extractive Recreation of the basic set up with which Thierry work is that the use of the different trophic aquaculture Chopin describes a levels of the various farmed species makes (Invertebrates) combination of integrated it possible to set up a balanced fish farm marine cultures, with different trophic levels. production system, apart from leading to 10 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 11 Photo: Jorge García Photo: Authors’ archives

an improvement in production and quality practice in other countries, in a planned, A sea cage for ongrowing feasible to convert sub-products generated management and development of living Saccharina latissima of waters, both in the marine environment spontaneous manner, drawing together turbot, one of the species by rearing certain species into habitat and aquatic resources, with due respect for (sugar kelp), a most intensively farmed in macroalga farmed on an itself and in open or closed circuit systems of three types of aquaculture: Galicia. food for other species. This involves a highly the ecosystem and biodiversity”, as noted experimental basis at the fish farm production. sustainable production strategy, whose by the FAO Committee on Fisheries, in CIMA for the multi-trophic cultures programme by • Food aquaculture (fish, crustaceans, implementing generates efficient ecosystems the document approved in Rome at the JACUMAR. Another of the generalized opinions browsing molluscs). to the benefit of the quality of the marine 19th session, held from 31st January to among researchers is that diversification • Organic extraction aquaculture (filtering environment, while facilitating diversification 4th February 2011. As is known, both the of aquaculture as an alternative to and suspensivore invertebrates). of aquaculture. ecosystemic approach to Fishing (EAF) and monoculture is one of the best roads • Inorganic extraction aquaculture (marine to aquaculture (EAA) are holistic strategies towards environmental sustainability macroalgae). Ecosystemic approach in the management of commercial fishing and economic feasibility and, as a result, The IMTA approach is ecosystemic, and and aquaculture, drawing together the achieves better social acceptance. In the A substantial part of the scientists researching helps to apply the Code of Conduct for ecological, socio-economic and institutional case of Galicia, IMTA is a solid option into this field also share the idea that IMTA Responsible Fishing approved by the FAO in dimensions of the activity that are also for diversification in aquaculture, which makes it possible to develop a series of 1995. This Code, among other aspects, sets linked to the social responsibility of has been taken on board and put into processes and practices that make it industrial out to ensure “the effective conservation, companies. 12 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 13

Furthermore, but in this same regard, it to date, in various countries, has begun to integrated their cultures with those of algae the scientific community and to industry – should be noted that the presence of algae encourage IMTA consolidation processes and molluscs with a commercial value is since the 1990’s – with the main criterion, in all the combinations of multi-trophic in Canada, Israel, Chile, South Africa considerable. references and guidelines with which IMTA cultures ensures the effects of biomitigation and Australia, states where the fisheries works internationally. while significantly reducing eutrophication administrations and aquaculture industry In China and other Asian countries, there are of waters. value it as a solid production alternative. efficient examples of cultures integrating fish, “With these processes (IMTA), all the The number of fishfarming companies molluscs and crustaceans with algae cultures, On the previous paged, cultivation components have an economic The positive results obtained by scientists in these countries that have industrially although no proven data is available on the reading from left to right value, as well as a key role in environmental extent and magnitude of such productions. and from top to bottom: and societal services and benefits”, Chopin integrated culture farm The Research Centre at the University of Los for abalone/macroalgae, commented when accepting the 2009 Lagos, in Puerto Montt, Chile, is working to in East London, South Research Award of Excellence awarded by Africa (D. Robertsson, J. reduce the environmental impact of intensive Bolton, M. Troell); SeaOr salmon farming. Cultures of trout, oysters Marine Enterprises, and marine algae have also been integrated. integrated abalone/sea bream/macroalgae culture Photo: R.J. Anderson Currently, salmon, marine algae and abalone farm, in Mikhmoret, are being combined in open waters. The Israel (B. Scharfstein, A. Neori); closed circuit fish director of these projects is the researcher, and macroalgae culture Photo: JM. Shpigel y B. Scharfstein Alejandro Buschmann. In Israel, there are farm, in Bribie Island, at least three marine farms where IMTA is Queensland, Australia (W. Knibb); integrated salmon/ applied. oyster/macroalgae culture farm, in Metri, Chile (A. Buschmann). Furthermore, the FAO has pointed out in its On this page: annual report, “The State of World Fisheries experimental integrated and Aquaculture, 2010”, that, “reduce salmon/mytilidae/ Saccharina culture, environmental (of marine cultures)”. This is in the Bay of Fundy, a recognition, by the United Nationals body, Canada. Source: Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans, of the efficacy of IMTA in this field, which Canada. is interesting when related to the forecast www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca made by this organization that in the year 2030, 50% of marine food production will come from aquaculture.

Scientists and work Most researchers working in this field agree on the fact that Drs. Thierry Chopin, at the University of New Brunswick, in Saint John’s, and Shawn Robinson, at the Saint Andrews Biological Station of the Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, have contributed to 14 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 15

proposal, the researcher has made a graph the intensive farming of filtering molluscs, showing a series of stages, starting in 1995, Chopin ensures that growing algae with a extending up to 2012, at which point it was commercial value is one of the most efficient considered that IMTA had consolidated its solutions in “ecological engineering”. presence in the industry of marine farming. For greater detail regarding the work by Lastly, the scientist defines IMTA as the Chopin and his team of collaborators, please “turquoise revolution” as it involves consult the website www.unbsj.ca/sase/ integrating the ideas of the “green the Aquaculture Association of Canada, Data gathering operations of research and innovation in AquaNet biology/chopinlab/. revolution” with that of the “blue an award shared with Robinson for in an IMTA facility, aquaculture (www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca) in New revolution”. As is known, the former is the combining macroalgae, creating and developing the concepts mussel and salmon, in Brunswick bay, integrating salmon farming The work mentioned also includes name internationally given to describe and of Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture, Canadian waters. Below, with that of mussel and alga. The company comparative tables of production costs and explain the increased world agricultural macroalga culture cage. from the laboratory stage to its industrial Source: Ministry of commercially distributing this salmon possible benefits from marketing single production, particularly in food, from 1940 application. Fisheries and Oceans, includes in its publicity and on the product culture marine species, compared with and 1970. The term “blue revolution” Canada. packaging the warning that this species rearing using IMTA systems and processes. refers to aquaculture, since around 1960, www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca One of the latest works by Chopin and has been 100% farmed with sustainable Objective and competitive advantages are to ensure a regular supply to the markets Robinson, in this field, was presented, aquaculture techniques. ascribed in these tables to the latter. As far of marine products, with standards agreed along with another two researchers, from as eliminating the nitrogen generated in the on regarding freshness, sizes and prices. Canada, Sweden, China and Chile, at In terms of the progress made by his marine environment is concerned due to Chopin firmly believes that IMTA is set to “Aquaculture Europe 10”, held in the town of Porto, Portugal, in 2010, organized by the European Aquaculture Society.

In his latest work, Chopin reiterates IMTA as “a responsible practice for simultaneously obtaining diversified marine products with biomitigation effects on the environmental impact of aquaculture activity”. The researcher noted that this production alternative, with interacting species and spaces, is also a flexible one: An IMTA facility, with it accepts a number of combinations and salmon cages and floating mussel beds, with the can be developed in closed and open circuit Pandalus III coastguard fishfarming plants, as well as with cultures in vessel in the background. The Pandalus provides the marine environment itself. regular support for IMTA scientific research in the One of the reference production models Bay of Fundy. Source: Ministry of Fisheries and quoted by the researchers is that put in Oceans, Canada. place by the Canadian state network www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca 16 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 17

being the “turquoise revolution” in view of In British Columbia, its contribution of productive rationality to Canada, Pacific SEA- lab has developed a optimize cultures and also its biomitigation small-scale industrial effects on the marine environment. installation that is

Photo: Steve Cross currently researching into the possibilities of International programmes combining sablefish, in old Marine research bodies involved in this cages of salmon, scallop, cockle, sea cucumber field in other countries, that have set up and macroalgae, with programmes related to integrated multi- an intensive IMTA trophic aquaculture include AquaNet (www. system design. This pilot initiative, also called the dfo-mpo.gc.ca) and Genesis Faraday, under Sustainable Ecological the Biosciences Knowledge Transfer Network, Aquaculture System (SEA- System), is supported by based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. This an association between multi-trophic programme in Scotland entails industry (Kyuquot Ltd.) the “Development of a generic approach to and a scientific community devoted to exploring sustainable integrated marine aquaculture the environmental and systems for European environments and socio-economic benefits to do with this type of markets”, with scientists taking part from integrated aquaculture. various countries, such as France and Israel. The promoter of this Further details of Genesis Faraday can be project, Steve Cross, is acquainted with the works found on the website www.scotsman.com of the scientist, Thierry Chopin, and has applied this experience. Sources: For its part, the Scots Marine Association Fish Farming International, (www.sams.ac.uk) has in place a Other research groups that have developed April 2010, and www. aquaculture.ca series of programmes in which several lines of action to promote integrated countries participate. Spines 2, with the aquaculture include the Research and economic support of the European Union, Development of Coastal Resources and researches into “Sea urchin production in Environments at the Chilean University of integrated systems, their nutrition and roe Los Lagos, steered by Alejandro Buschmann, enhancement”. This same body also manages and the Environmental Management and MERMAIDS, a work designed to generate Biodiversity Centre at the University of Las In the photos on the right, a “Multi-trophic culture for environmental Palmas de Gran Canaria. mussels produced in the remediation – Active management of Bay of Fundy, as a culture associated with salmon aquaculture initiatives for diversification and The JACUMAR Project and macroalgae. On the sustainability”. At the scientific meeting held in Porto, one market, these mussels are certified as coming of the works conducted for the National from sustainable farming. Lastly, REDWEED is a programmed designed to Advisory Board for Mariculture (JACUMAR) Source: “Reduce the environmental impact of sea-cage Ministry of Fisheries and was described, namely, “Integrated Oceans, Canada. farming through cultivation of seaweeds”. Aquaculture: pilot experience for multi- www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca 18 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 19

trophic aquaculture development” (2008- 2011)”, Salvador Guerrero, researcher at the Marine Research Centre of the Regional Council of the Rural and Marine Catalonia Environment of the Regional Government GALICIA Type of experience Type of experience Land of Galicia (www.cimacoron.org) and Javier Land Sea Cremades, Professor at the University Group of species Group of species Fish-molluscs-algae of A Coruña (www.udc.es), with the Fish-molluscs-algae Fish-molluscs-algae collaboration of Juan Manuel Salinas, in Participating bodies Participating bodies • Institute of charge of the seaweed culture plant at • Marine Research Centre. CIMA Agricultural-Food Technology Regional Government of Galicia Research (IRTA) the Spanish Institute of Oceanography • University of A Coruña of Santander (www.ieo-santander.net). Collaborating bodies • Spanish Institute of Oceanography. I.E.O. More can be learnt of this project at www. • Technological Institute for Monitoring the Marine Environment of Galicia. Intecmar. acuiculturaintegrada.com. Regional Government of Galicia

Collaborating companies The study by Cremades, Guerrero, Salinas • Aquacría AROUSA S.L. Rodamar • Porto-Muíños and Ancosmede was on “Spores and • Punta Moreiras gametes of green seaweeds as food • Seasalter Shellfish Ltd. for bivalves in integrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems”, coordinated by the Marine Research Centre (CIMA) in Vilanova Balearic Isles de Arousa. Other sections in this same Type of experience Sea publication explain the works by these Group of species authors in greater detail. Fish-molluscs-algae- Canary Islands detritivores (benthonic/sessile) This programme is conducted at the initiative Type of experience Land Sea Participating bodies and with the institutional and economic • Laboratory of Marine and Groups of species Aquaculture Research support of the National Advisory Board for Fish-molluscs- Fish-molluscs- Mariculture (JACUMAR), of the Maritime echinoderms-algae echinoderms-algae Secretariat General of the Spanish Ministry Participating bodies • Canaries Institute of Marine Science. ICCM of Agriculture, Food and Environment (www. • Group of Coastal Management Research MURCIA • Group of Research in Aquaculture. GIA magrama.gob.es/es/pesca/participacion- Type of experience Andalusia Sea publica/copy_of_default.aspx). Type of experience Land Sea Group of species Fish-molluscs-echinoderms Apart from Galicia, a leading region in marine Group of species Fish-mollusc-algae Fish-mollusc-algae Participating bodies culture, lines of work have been developed in • Murcian Institute of Participating bodies Agricultural and Food IMTA systems and practices, by official bodies • Regional Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Research and Development. IMIDA and scientists in Andalusia, the Balearic Isles, • Agricultural and Fisheries Management Agency the Canaries, Catalonia and Murcia. 20 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 21

2 MACROALGAE, EFFICIENT BIOFILTRATORS WITH COMMERCIAL VALUE Photo: Authors’ archives

By Jorge García ([email protected]) he group of researchers working in Galicia for the JACUMAR programme Ton multi-trophic cultures considers that the presence of macroalgae in all the combinations of IMTA is one of the main factors that makes aquaculture sustainable, diversified, economically feasible and socially accepted. In the IMTA experiences conducted in this region, species of Saccharina, Codium and Ulva have been farmed in open and closed circuit fish farm effluents, as well as in industrial mussel raft zones in the rias themselves. The data currently being gathered, after over two years of work, by the researchers, Salvador Guerrero (CIMA), Javier Cremades (UDC) and Juan Manuel Salinas (I.E.O., Santander), are positive: the growth and interaction of these species with other cultures of fish and molluscs, and with the environment itself, has generally been developed as forecast in the initial scientific approach drafted by the group.

Practices, previous experiences and available data on algae culture associated with other marine species, in countries with a greater Specimen of Laminaria aquaculture production, have helped to ochroleuca in the natural environment, among adopt some of the main criterion used to others. Farming laminar first evaluate then convey the first results on seaweed associated with farming fish and molluscs IMTA works conducted in Galicia. A growing has proved to be efficient. number of researchers working in marine 22 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 23

cultures interested in these systems has, over particulate matter, elimination of ammonium, Biofiltering with macroalgae

the last few years (2008-2011), been able to control of pH, dissipation of any excess CO2 Works carried out in Galicia, Cremades draw provisional conclusions in conferences, and disinfection. The costs involved are high maintains, “confirm that by introducing seminars and congresses held in Spain and since pumps are required to operate the seaweed as biofiltrators in IMTA systems, other countries. entire system which also builds up nitrate. processes and reduces a substantial part

Photo: Authors’ archives Photo: Authors’ archives of the overall impact on the ecosystem The good news released at these meetings is The method put forward by Cremades, generated by marine cultures. that rearing macroalgae with a commercial that has been used in IMTA experiences in Furthermore, it also contributes to value has been found to be efficient for Galicia, is biofiltering using photosynthetic environmental stability. Seaweed, especially remedying the eutrophization produced by plants with an assimilating capacity, such macroalgae, are organisms with a high fish farming or monoculture. Further good as seaweed. “With solar power and excess efficiency for biofiltration as they have news is that IMTA is viable and necessary in nutrients”, the expert explains, “particularly the greatest productivity of all plants aquaculture along the coastline and in the C, N and P, seaweed photosynthesize and can be farmed by methods whose Galician rias. Also, the culture plant at the new biomass. By means of this technique, costs are accessible and profitable for I.E.O. in Santander, set up and headed by which improves water management, mini- industries”. Salinas, is able to provide macroalgae “seed” ecosystems are obtained in open and for experimental works as well as for taking closed circuit fish farming, and also in single In this manner, scientists share the on industrial scale cultures. culture aquaculture conducted in the marine generalized criterion that working in IMTA, in environment”. terms of integrated aquaculture, the nutrients Creating ecosystems One of the explanations normally given by Photo: Authors’ archives Cremades in documents regarding production on macroalgae is that there are two main lines of bioremediation to improve the quality of waters where modern aquaculture is present. One of the ways of mitigating Photo: Authors’ archives eutrophication and, therefore, of reducing a large part of the environmental impact of this type of farming, is by the decomposing activity of bacteria in the formation of gases

Top and left, Cremades (N2 and CO2). Another way is to promote the (UDC), with Saccharina assimilating activity of biofiltering organisms latissima farmed in an IMTA system in Galicia. and to generate the formation of biomass. Next to him, Salinas A farmed specimen of (I.E.O.) with the same The first of the lines is a bacterial catabolism, laminar algae in the sea, species farmed in a tank. at the Galician company, Below, Guerrero (C.I.M.A.) very common in fish farms with water Porto-Muiños, with an observing a culture of recirculation, although its operational industrial application, Gracilariopsis longissima using a system of ropes in a tank. effectiveness is technologically complex: and floats known as it requires oxygenation, elimination of longline. 24 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 25

In the top photo, a arising from rearing fish should not be Selection criterion Other stages of growth free-living culture of considered as waste, but rather as a resource IMTA researchers in Galicia have drafted a series of Saccharina latissima Saccharina latissima already in multi-trophic gametophytes at the I.E.O. for farming seaweed with a commercial of criterion to select species of seaweed with culture tanks. Below, Algae plant in Santander. value, and also as food for molluscs of the an efficient behaviour in an integrated system. specimen of Ulva australis, Below, pre-culture of one of the species that sporophyte young of this genus Haliotis – known as abalone, shrimps Some of the factors to be evaluated are: has also been used in same species at the CIMA and sea urchins, inter alia. these experiences. Photo: Authors’ archives Photo: Authors’ archives installations for use in • High growth and concentration rate of different multi-trophic farming experiences. The aquaculture industry, in several nitrogen in their tissues countries, uses the know-how built up by • Ease with which their life cycle can be the experiences and applications of IMTA, reared and monitored carried out over more than twenty years, • Resistance to epiphytes and diseases to form efficient, specific designs involving • Coinciding ecophysiological requirements integrated cultures, both on land and at sea. with those of the system These often integrate fish, filtering molluscs, • Being a local or previously introduced phytoplankton and macroalgae biomass species production. • Commercial value of the production

One of the main advantages of using These criterion have been defined in terms macroalgae as biofilters, in relation to other of the fact that one of the first requirements systems, is that it produces a “sequestration” put forward when designing IMTA is of the nutrients present in the water, in such bioremediation. In this case, the uptake a manner and to such an extent that it makes and build up of nutrients, in addition to it possible to quickly recirculate the effluent the growth rate, are determining factors. from a fish farm or to discharge it into the Needless to say, it is considered that the marine environment. optimum way is to identify a species that combines commercial value with Photo: Authors’ archives Other data from the works carried out bioremediation capacity. in Galicia indicate that in a recirculation system, each kilogramme of Ulva in the stock As regards this aspect, growth rate is also produces sufficient oxygen per day to meet related to morphology. In other words, there Photo: Authors’ archives the demand of two kilogrammes of fish in is a direct relationship between greater the stock. surface area/volume (A/V), of alga thallus with the highest growth rates. Macroalgae with a It should be noted, in this same regard, that filamentous or laminar morphology will have “consumption of nocturnal oxygen from a higher growth rate than one with a thick, macroalgae is far lower than daily production. fleshy morphology. As regards species with In some species, it has been estimated that a complex morphological structure, as can 12 times more oxygen is produced than is be the case in the kelp species, it is also very consumed by their breathing”. important to evaluate the age of the plant. 26 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 27

The best candidates of their advantages are that they take in When considering a species of seaweed to nutrients and that it is possible to extract use as a biofilter, it should be taken into phycocolloids to form gels, viscous substances account that it will have to grow well in and suspension stabilizers. The food industry high concentrations of nutrients, particularly uses them to produce agar, alginates and

ammonium. Other seaweed that do not Photo: Authors’ archives Photo: Authors’ archives carrageenan seaweeds. But however, it have this capacity, such as the Chondrus should be noted that their growth rates, crispus, which prefer nitrate to ammonium, due to their morphologies, are significantly have a more limited use. In the short list lower than in the species mentioned earlier. of macroalgae species that have been It should also be noted that the market for researched as biofilters are the Ulva, this products processed with phycocolloids shows being the most studied species, as well as a downhill trend. the Gracilaria. Ulva has many of the basic conditions required to be a part of an IMTA The Porphyra species (the nori seaweed One of the most promising candidates for system: it forms lamellar, has a high rate of The most suitable species in sushi) are appropriate as they have the use in IMTA as biofilters in cold waters, for IMTA systems, for growth and nitrogen concentration, and is their biofiltering capacity, characteristics of Ulva and have a high such as the case of the coasts and rias of also able to grow in high concentrations of combined with their commercial value in the food market. The Galicia are the laminars, especially species ammonium. Moreover, its life cycle is known commercial value, are: handicap with the Porphyra species is that, of Saccharina (sugar kelp), Laminaria top and on this page, and controllable. The disadvantage ascribed Porphyra. Below, from the in an integrated aquaculture system, it is not Farming techniques for the species of Top, Saccharina and Macrocystis (kelp), which have been to the industrial use of Ulva in biofiltration is, left, Saccharina latissima, possible at present to control their life cycle Gracilaria and Chondrus have been studied latissima in the natural researched in Canada, Spain, Germany, Ulva spp., Gracilaria spp. environment, along with for the time being, the limited value attained and Palmaria palmate, in order to keep up a purely plant culture and are well known. For this reason, it is Ulva rigida and other Scotland and Chile, and are produced by the by production on the markets. among others. throughout the year. possible to control their growth. Some species. fishfarmg industry. Photo: Authors’ archives 28 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 29

New products, new markets of fatty acids while giving a pleasant taste Industrial aquaculture managers are aware for fish during rearing, apart from having of the prolonged, complex actions that need a higher content in amino acids than in to be taken so that a new product manages traditional soya fishmeals that are normally

Photo: Jorge García to have a leading position in the competitive used in feed. world of food, which is one of the traditional Photo: Authors’ archives markets for some of the commercial In the field of alternative fuels made with presentations of seaweed. On the other non-renewable raw materials, experiment hand, for the pharmacological and cosmetics work has also been conducted with certain On the previous page, a harvester of Gelidium industries, seaweed are raw material whose species. Cremades states that, in Galicia, at corneum seaweed, on properties are continually being researched, least 20 autochthonous species of algae with the Galician coastline, used by the phycocolloid which leads to creating new end uses and commercial value are found, many of which industry. On this page in June 2011, in Vigo, the Technological generates demand for some species. are already collected or produced. and at the top, Guerrero, Maritime Centre, the CETMAR Foundation, Sergio Devesa, Technical an official body of the Regional Government Director of Aquacría, and For these and other reasons, the criterion Farming algae for IMTA is a guarantee of Salinas, at the seaweed of Galicia, organized a seminar on of commercial value in this field should be efficient bioremediation and, therefore, to culture plant in El Bocal, macroalgae with the collaboration of Santander. Below, fried approached strategically and as a highly a large extent it collaborates in reducing sea lettuce with crème Iberomare, a cross-border project under the diverse concept that is evolving at a fast the impact of other cultures in the aquatic pâtissière and cherries. Inter-regional Spain-Portugal community pace. Nevertheless, one of the competitive medium. Its industrial feasibility is backed by This recipe is by the chef, programme, whose work is orientated Gonzalo Rey, at the Agar- advantages that seaweed farmers share with consolidated groups of research that actively Agar restaurant, made towards evaluating aquaculture sub-products. other products in aquaculture is that they exchange information. on the course “preparing At this seminar, researchers from Portugal, seaweed” at the Porto- can guarantee the processing industries a Muiños Cooking School Galicia, Malaga, Santander and Las Palmas constant supply of raw material, in terms In this regard, it should be recalled that (www.portomuinos.com). were able to exchange experiences and of quantity, quality and, as a result, in get up to date on their know-how of the price. Added to this is the contribution of “Application of macroalgae in purifying proteins and other health benefits, which effluents from aquaculture. IMTA systems”. means consumption of foods processed with seaweed for in food for humans. Lastly, mention should be made of the fact that these and other meetings of the kind Photo: Porto-Muiños Apart from their uses in catering and the have highlighted the interest in integrated food, pharmacological and cosmetics aquaculture, but also the need that the industries, research has begun on seaweed, important effort made by researchers with some promising results as a component following this line to be done with inter- of animal feed, particularly for fish. In disciplinary teams, able to design economic Portugal, experiences have been conducted models for investment, management and for on tilapia and trout, and in Galicia, access to markets with new products deriving experiences are underway with sole. It has from IMTA, especially those from macroalgae been objectively established that the presence farming. And all this to make projects in this of algae in feed increases the composition matter more realistic and feasible. 30 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 31

3 DR. THIERRY CHOPIN PROPOSES AN EVOLUTION TOWARDS MORE ECOSYSTEM RESPONSIBLE AQUACULTURE SYSTEMS “IMTA is the general concept, but like in Bach’s music, there are themes and many variations” Photo: Hummings House Pictures The French-born scientist, who emigrated to Canada in 1989, is considered by many to be one of the key leaders in the development of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture

By Jorge García ([email protected]) r. Thierry Chopin, Professor of marine biology industry in several countries and examined in others, at the University of New Brunswick in Saint originate from the work of the team led by Chopin. DJohn, Canada, was born and educated in In this interview, the scientist reflects, suggests and France, where he obtained his PhD at the University of also brings in data and experiences to explain the Western Brittany, in Brest. Chopin now leads a team environmental, economic and societal benefits of of scientists of various disciplines specialized in IMTA: integrating farming at different trophic levels. “We are at the leading edge in the development of About the place where he lives in Canada, Chopin new sustainable practices for commercial aquaculture said: “Being in a multi-cultural community like ours is and we have acquired a worldwide reputation thanks interesting, particularly when one tries to understand to the work of the whole team”, the researcher cultures rather than judge them. Saint John is commented recently. The criteria, practices and changing and this multi-ethnic personality gives rise systems of IMTA, being adopted by the aquaculture to a new momentum to the city”.

• The Spanish aquaculture industry has it can be said that for independent farmers, a high level of development, especially in a market that has become global and along the Galician coast. What is your concentrated, and in places where there view about the IMTA prospects for is public participation in the creation of mussels, cockles, clams and oysters, as The farms are policies, the survival of the activity needs the well as turbot and sole? Thierry Chopin: under pressure adoption of some competitive advantages My view is that the Galician aquaculture to improve their and some diversification. The farms are under Dr. Thierry Chopin, well- has a highly developed mollusc industry. For pressure to improve their efficiency, but the efficiency, but known seaweed expert, instance, on Google Earth it is very easy to industry sustainability must also improve. and Scientific Director of the industry the Canadian Integrated spot all those rafts (bateas)... The idea of We are working on that in New Brunswick, Multi-Trophic Aquaculture introducing some diversification would be sustainability on the East coast of Canada, where there is Network (CIMTAN) www. must also unbsj.ca/sase/biology/ interesting from an environmental, economic a predominance of salmon farming. IMTA chopinlab/index.html . and societal perspective. Broadly speaking, improve allows this diversification. 32 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 33

• What can we learn from your mussels harvested at the IMTA sites, for eight funding agencies which have allowed the It is necessary the question, but it is important to develop experience? The worldwide expansion of years. The heavy metal, arsenic, polychlorinated research to continue uninterrupted for 10 years that the solutions adapted to where you are and based Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, farming has been biphenyls and pesticides levels have always now. The key ones are the Natural Sciences researchers talk on a thorough knowledge and understanding considerable over the last three decades. The been below the regulatory limits of Canada, and Engineering Research Council of Canada, at many different levels. I don’t know enough to the industry, option we are proposing to the farmers is to the USA and the European Union. All these the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, about your region to provide a solid advice. associate salmon farming with that of other biological results, thus, support the adoption of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the New the regulatory Which species are used and why? There is species and in proximity. In the Bay of Fundy, IMTA systems. Brunswick Innovation Foundation. agencies, the a lot of documentation about the criteria to and within the framework of an industrial environmental select appropriate species. As a guidance, from pilot project, the brown seaweeds, Saccharina • Who are your industrial partners? • Which of the know-how transfer NGOs and the a review we wrote for the FAO a few years latissima and Alaria esculenta, the blue mussel, Collaborating with industrial partners is very experiences from IMTA research and public at large ago, the genera with most potential for the Mytilus edulis, and salmon, Salmo salar, are important for the progress of such large development to the aquaculture industry development of IMTA systems are generally the farmed together. When we compare with projects. Cooke Aquaculture Inc. (www. may turn out to be useful? It is necessary following: An Integrated Multi- reference sites, the growth rate increased by Trophic Aquaculture cookeaqua.com) has been our key partner for that the researchers talk to the industry, the 46% in macroalgae and up to 50% in mussels (IMTA) site of Cooke several years. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, regulatory agencies, the environmental NGOs grown near fish farms, which we think is a Aquaculture Inc. in the the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and the public at large to know what the Macroalgae: Bay of Fundy, Canada: reflection of the increase in the availability salmon cages on the Environment Canada and the New Brunswick issues are and how these can be addressed Laminaria, Saccharina, Sacchoriza, Undaria, Alaria, Ecklonia, of food and energy. None of the therapeutic left, a mussel raft in the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture with solutions such as IMTA. It is, however, Lessonia, Durvillaea, Macrocystis, Gigartina, Sarcothalia, right foreground and a Chondracanthus, Callophyllis, Gracilaria, Gracilariopsis, products that can be used in salmon farming seaweed raft in the right and Fisheries have also been very important clear that there is no magic bullet reached have been detected in either the algae or the background. collaborators. We should also not forget the after only a few years. Things take time, this Porphyra, Chondrus, Palmaria, Asparagopsis and Ulva is a fact and it should be recognized. I like to Molluscs: remind people that IMTA is the over-arching Haliotis, Crassostrea, Pecten, Argopecten, Placopecten, concept, but like in the music of Johann Mytilus, Choromytilus and Tapes Sebastian Bach, there are themes and many variations. IMTA is the overall theme, then it Echinoderms: must be adapted to the local conditions and Strongylocentrotus, Paracentrotus, Psammechinus, Photo: Thierry Chopin situations, which is where variations arise. Loxechinus, Cucumaria, Holothuria, Stichopus, Parastichopus, Thus, it depends on you to define which type Apostichopus and Athyonidium of IMTA is best suited for your region, but an important recommendation is that the Polychaetes: focus must, definitely, be on integration and Nereis, Arenicola, Glycera and Sabella interdisciplinarity. The solutions are often at the interfaces of disciplines. Crustaceans: Penaeus and Homarus • Are there some models more successful Fish: than others regarding species produced Salmo, Oncorhynchus, Scophthalmus, Dicentrarchus, and in what proportion? Again, I have to Gadus, Anoplopoma, Hippoglossus, Melanogrammus, answer that it depends on your region, your Paralichthys, Pseudopleuronectes and Mugil environmental conditions and your economic and social situations. This is not to avoid 34 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 35

• Are there IMTA criteria for open ocean • Are economic considerations useful We know that on the development of the industry. We aquaculture? As a result of the rising for the aquaculture industry to embark there will be have demonstrated that, over 10 years, the seafood demand, some foresee an expansion on IMTA farming? The existing IMTA bio- many challenges loss of one fish harvest induces losses for a towards open ocean locations. The availability economic models have shown that economic fish monoculture operation, while an IMTA to overcome in of new sites, protected and near the coast, stability, generated by the diversification of operation would still be profitable. Photo: Thierry Chopin is becoming limited. The move towards open products and risk reduction, is key to remain the biological, waters is also considered a way to decrease in business and increase profits. Furthermore, environmental, • Has the IMTA’s social responsiveness some environmental problems. However, if the biomitigative services of IMTA were engineering, been estimated as an alternative to the development in more exposed areas will properly estimated and were part of business technological, monoculture? We have carried out several also have its limitations. It is very likely that plans, they would represent financial incentive economic, legal, attitudinal surveys both in Canada and the farms in the future will be bigger than the tools to encourage mono-aquaculturists regulatory and USA. They showed that perceptions towards existing coastal ones. Thus, they will also to contemplate IMTA as a viable marine IMTA are more favourable than towards societal domains generate higher levels of wastes. We should agronomy option to their current practices. monoculture. The surveyed people related not think that in oceanic environments the the success of aquaculture to sustainability. It hydrodynamic conditions will allow dispersion • How does IMTA relate sustainability was also emphasized that farming high quality and thus the environmental impacts will be to profits for the aquaculture industry? From the rope to the products, without harming the environment, plate: IMTA practices lower; we should also think of recapturing Establishing sound biological principles is should help differentiate was key to a successful aquaculture industry this food and energy, which would otherwise important for a business to be sustainable. high-quality and high- and to improving people’s perceptions. All the value IMTA products. Left: be lost, with extractive species. From the However, sustainability also needs to be a line of the cultivated participants agreed that food produced by beginning, we should think of having measured at the economic and societal kelp, Alaria esculenta, in IMTA systems is safe to eat and 50% of the

Photo: Esther Tremblay-Deveau efficient ocean IMTA systems, also performing levels. An aquaculture operation must be Back Bay, New Brunswick; participants were ready to pay 10% more for right: a delicious IMTA their biomitigative functions; it should not economically viable without being too risky. In kelp (Saccharina latissima) these products, if they were labelled as such in be an afterthought for 2050! Anyway, we addition, public opinion is important because wrap prepared by Chris stores. This opens the door for eco-labelling, or Aerni, Chef and owner of know that there will be many challenges to consumer’s perceptions have an influence the Rossmount Inn in St. eco-certification, and differentiation of IMTA overcome in the biological, environmental, on products’ demand and prices and, hence, Andrews, New Brunswick. products commanding a premium market price. engineering, technological, economic, legal, regulatory and societal domains.

• Are the EU agencies aware of IMTA, as a • What criteria have been used to make Researchers need sustainable strategy for aquaculture and this selection? These genera have been to disseminate their product diversification? I have been living in knowledge to various Photo: Thierry Chopin Photo: Thierry Chopin selected because of their farming techniques, audiences. Increasing the Canada for the last 22 years and I do not know right habitat, bio-mitigation abilities and finally awareness of IMTA will the present EU programs and procedures. I certainly be an important their economic value. For each region where task. Top: 2nd annual am aware of a few IMTA projects in the EU, IMTA can be developed, it is important to meeting of CIMTAN; but are the regulators, decision makers and select the species appropriate for the habitat, bottom: field trip during politicians sufficiently aware of the possibilities the annual Festival of the environment, their complementary Nature organized by the of IMTA? I doubt this is the case, but this is not functions in the ecosystem and the socio- New Brunswick Federation unique to the EU! Increasing the awareness of of Naturalists. economic situation. IMTA will certainly be an important task. 36 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 37

4 RESEARCH BODIES AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR TAKE PART IN EXPERIENCES IMTA experiences in Galicia WITH INTEGRATED AQUACULTURE IN GALICIA

Lorbé (Ría de Ares and Betanzos. A Coruña). esigning and conducting IMTA Experience at sea experiences in Galicia for the Floating mussel beds / Food Macroalgae JACUMAR programme involved the (Saccharina latissima) D CIMA, UDC, IEO Santander participation of the CIMA, the University Conservas PORTO-MUIÑOS of A Coruña, the I.E.O. of Santander and the Technological Institute for Marine Esteiro (Ría de Muros y Noia. A Coruña). Environment Control, INTECMAR, a body of Experience at sea the Regional Government of Galicia, which Fish cages (turbot) / Food macroalgae provided biochemical and oceanographic (Saccharina latissima) CIMA, UDC, IEO Santander data on the rias of Arousa, Muros-Noia and MARCULTURA S.L. Ares-Betanzos. The tasks were conducted in installations at sea and in open and closed Cambados (Ría de Arousa. Pontevedra). circuit fishfarms, with the collaboration of Experience on land. Closed circuit private sector aquaculture companies. Fish (turbot and sole) / Suspensivore invertebrates (anemones and polychaetes) / Filtering molluscs (clams and oyster) “Seaweed seeds” for experiences at sea / Food macroalgae (Saccharina latissima) were provide by the germoplasm bank at CIMA, UDC, IEO Santander the I.E.O. Santander seaweed culture plant, AQUACRIA S.L. with stock from autochthonous populations from the Galician coast. Molluscs and O Grove (Ría de Arousa. Pontevedra). invertebrates are from various farms on Experience on land. Closed circuit Fish (turbot) / Suspensivore invertebrates the Galician coast. Species are selected for (anemones) / Filtering molluscs (clams and rearing in the experiences in terms of their oyster) commercial value for human consumption, / Food macroalgae (Ulva and Sacharina for the pharmacological and cosmetics latissima) industries or for their possible uses in the CIMA, UDC, IEO Santander agricultural/livestock or energy sectors. The PUNTA MOREIRAS S.L., INTECMAR first stages of farming were conducted at the CIMA installations in Vilanova de Arousa and, where applicable, were subsequently transferred to installations on land and in the marine environment. 38 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 39

Integrated farming of macroalgae in fish cages in the ria of Muros and Noia (A Coruña) Photo: Authors’ archives

Location of the fish cages where the experiences were conducted in the Esteiro bay (ria of Muros and Noia, A Coruña). Photos from Google Maps and ortophotos from the SigPac visor of the Minis- try of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

he experience described here involves one hand, may increase the production of evaluating the possible advantages and both cultures while improving the quality of Tdisadvantages of integrating cultures the water, both for reducing eutrophication of marine macroalgae and fish. The initial and dissolved CO2. Furthermore, it fosters hypothesis is that such integration, on the diversification of Galicia aquaculture. 40 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 41

The installation comprised 8 square floating cages joined together and arranged in line. The first three cages contained ongrowing turbot throughout the experiment, whereas the other 5 were empty. The seaweed culture

Diagram: Javier Cremades lines were set vertically at the joining points Photo: Authors’ archives between the cages and on both sides of the same (points 1 to 5).

The species of macroalgae farmed was Top, production stages of Saccharina latissima (Linnaeus) Lane, Mayes, the “seed” of Saccharina latissima. Chambers of Druehl & Saunders (Laminars, Phaeophyta), germoplasm with flasks of known as “sugar kelp”. This species, free-living gametophyte culture, collector with a autochthonous to the northwest of the line of seed and fragments Photo: Authors’ archives

Iberian Peninsula, can be the raw material for of the same ready for Photo: Authors’ archives obtaining alginates and biogas. But however, seeding, following the Japanese method. To the it has a greater added value when used for left, young sporophytes animal and human food. of S. latissima, as they are viewed under the microscope. Saccharina latissima seed was produced at the Algae Culture Plant of the I.E.O. in Santander, using its germoplasm bank, applying the free- species biomass was estimated per metre of living technique (Pérez et al., 1992). Seeding line and samples were taken to analyse the was performed on 20th November 2008. percentage of C, N and for the δ15N. These The method of seeding used was also the analyses will allow us to evaluate to what Diagram showing one known as the Japanese method. Here, extent the algae have accessed the sources of estuarine circulation and the seeding strings were cut into 5 cm long nitrogen arising from fish metabolism, (Holmer detail of the line of cages used in the experience, fragments, which were placed every 10 cm et al., 2008) or, in other words, the amount of with the location of the along the culture line. forms of nitrogen of animal or anthropic origin fish and points where the lines were placed for that the algae are biofiltering from the waters. farming macroalgae. In order to follow the variations in the environmental conditions throughout the RESULTS AND DISCUSSION experience, a light intensity and temperature Average production figures for Saccharina DESCRIPTION OF THE EXPERIENCE sensor was attached. latissima fluctuated between 7.1 and 10.7 Photo: Authors’ archives The experience was conducted in the fish kg/m, so that they lie within the interval rearing cages owned by the collaborating Final sampling of the seaweed culture was of values obtained in other experiences To the right, general company, MARCULTURA, S.A., located at conducted on 6th April, 2009, 137 days after conducted in Galicia. They are below those aspect of the cage lines and detail of those that Somorto, Esteiro, in the ria of Muros and being immersed in the sea. At all the points of 13.1 kg/m obtained by Cremades et al. were occupied by turbot Noia (A Coruña). where lines with Saccharina were arranged, (2007), also using vertical lines at a distance during the experiences. 42 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 43 Photo: Authors’ archives Photo: Authors’ archives Photo: Authors’ archives Photo: Authors’ archives

from other aquaculture structures, but higher Recently seeded lines that were empty since, according to Cremades not, in any of the case, be a limiting factor Appearance of a line after than those of 6.2 kg/m obtained by Peteiro et (20/11/2008) and detail et al. (2007), variations of this factor can lead for the development of Saccharina latissima. three months of culture of the implants after the (16/02/2009). To the right, al. (2006) on longline. first month of growth to important reductions in production. one of the implants with (15/12/2008). We may conclude, therefore, that in the multi- most growth, obtained in the final sampling Although there are no significant differences In view of the results obtained, it seems clear trophic fish-algae aquaculture techniques (6/04/2009). terms of the improvement in quality of the between the lines, at least in the time period that the main cause for the apparent absence in the Galician rias, it is preferable to have a marine environment and the increase and and density of macroalgae culture tested, of a net advantage in integrating macroalgae mosaic-shaped distribution as opposed to a diversification of total aquaculture production. the proximity to the fish is not beneficial with fish that was obtained in this experiment mixture of both cultures, which has important Development of the since the nearest algae to them and which, average biomass of arises from the fact that, with the density of implications when it comes to future coastal ReferencEs furthermore, presented the greater ratio δ15N Saccharina latissima culture tested, throughout its duration and ordinance of aquaculture production. Cremades J., Freire O., Baamonde S., Salinas J.M. & Fuertes and the isotopic ratio of C. (2007) Nuevo método para el cultivo industrial de (6.25), i.e., that they were the only ones that in all zones of the same, the nutrients should nitrogen in terms of the Laminaria saccharina (Laminariales, Phaeophyta) en las accessed the ammonium excreted by the fish distance to the fish. Due to the high level of nutrients in the costas gallegas. Actas XI Congreso Nacional de Acuicul- as an additional source of nitrogen, attained Galician rias, the benefit of integration tura, 1: 559-562. smaller sizes and production figures per Biomass (kg/m) and ratio of nitrogen isotopes fish-macroalgae cultures does not bear a Holmer M., Hansen P.K., Karakassis I., Borg J.A. & Schembri P.J. (2008) Monitoring of environmental impacts of ma- 11 metre of culture out of the entire experiment. direct relationship to the proximity between rine aquaculture. En: (Eds.), Aquaculture in the Ecosys- 10.7 10 them, and it even may become a handicap, tem. Holmer M., Black K., Duarte C.M., Marbà N. & Ka- 9.9 rakassis I. Springer, pp. 47-85. The explanation for this small detriment 9 since the nearby presence of fish and of Pérez R., Kaas R., Campello F., Arbault S. & Babaroux O. in production, although not statistically Algae biomass submerged structures reduces light radiation 8 Isotopic ratio (1992) La culture des algues marines dans le monde. significant due to the high variability in while exacerbating sedimentation and Service de la Documentation et des Plubications (SDP). 7 7.2 biomass of the different implants, could be 7.1 recruitment processes that may lead to a IFREMER. Plouzane. 6 explained by the lower light incidence on these 6.25 considerable increase in fouling, one of the Peteiro C., Salinas J.M., Freire O & Fuertes C. (2006) Culti- 5.75 5.75 5.75 vation of the autoctonous seaweed Laminaria saccha- lines due to shadowing and a greater degree 5 main problems of macroalgae cultures. We 0 12 24 36 rina on the Galician Coast NW Spain): Production and of turbidity of the waters close to the cages Distance to the fish (metres) may also conclude that the benefit of these features of the sporophytes for an annual and biennal occupied by the fish as opposed to the cages polycultures should be evaluated both in harvest. Thalassas, 22: 45-53. 44 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 45

Open sea farming of the food seaweed Saccharina latissima associated with floating mussel beds in the rias of Ares and Betanzos (A Coruña)

Photo: Authors’ archives his experience was conducted from y Betanzos (A Coruña). The basic hypothesis December 2009 to April 2010, in the is that this integration of these cultures will Texperimental administrative concession bring benefits such as an improvement in the for developing marine macroalgae cultures quality of the water due to the reduction of

of which the collaborating company, Porto- eutrophication and of dissolved CO2 values Muiños, is a beneficiary, located in the Sada as well as an increase and diversification of II marine culture Complex, in the Ria of Ares aquaculture production in the complex.

Sada II marine culture complex in the Ria of Ares y Betanzos (A Coruña), where the experience was conducted. Images courtesy of Google Maps and orthophotos from the SigPac viewer of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment. 46 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 47

Description of the experience Left, diagrams showing As in the previous experience, farmed the arrangements of the integrated culture in open Saccharina latissima seed was produced sea. On the previous page at the Algae Culture Plant of the I.E.O. in and at the top, longline culture (Cremades et al., Santander, using its germoplasm bank and 2007). At the foot of the the free-living technique (Pérez et al., 1992). Cross-section view of the lines of seaweed

Photo: Authors’ archives page, a general view of

Diagram: Javier Cremades the installation and details of the lines with the algae Seeding was conducted on 18/12/2009 using implanted at different Vertical lines with seaweed the so-called Japanese method. This involves stages of growth. the threads of seed being cut into fragments of around 5 cm in length, which are inserted every 10-15 cm, after opening it, inside the end of the culture. This species was farmed by using a system of double floating lines RÍA DE ARES Y BETANZOS (A CORUÑA) joined together and refloated with 100 litre transversal buoys arranged every 5 metres. Estuarine circulation Each line, between the transversal buoys, has Sada II marine culture Complex a further 5 buoys of 3 litres each, from which the culture lines are hung (Cremades et al., Mussel nurseries Mussel nurseries 2007). Lines of seaweed Follow-up of the experience involved making regular samplings and growth rates were estimated following the various samplings and in the various locations. Likewise, analysis of the δ15N determined in the algae samples Photo: Authors’ archives Photo: Authors’ archives Photo: Authors’ archives Photo: Authors’ archives 48 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 49

will allow us to evaluate in which proportion located, the greater is the scarcity of light due References the algae have been feeding from the waste to the shadowing caused by the individuals Cremades J., Freire O., Baamonde S., Salinas J.M. & Fuertes C. (2007) Nuevo método para el cultivo industrial de La- derived from the fish. growing at a shallower depth as well as the minaria saccharina (Laminariales, Phaeophyta) en las gradual lessening of light penetration and the costas gallegas. Actas XI Congreso Nacional de Acuicul- When evaluating the benefits of integrating turbidity of the waters. The average values tura, 1: 559-562. Fig. 1. Temperature the different cultures, we lack a “point of for the isotopic 15N ratio in Saccharina Pérez R., Kaas R., Campello F., Arbault S. & Babaroux O. (1992) Photo: Authors’ archives δ La culture des algues marines dans le monde. Service de variation in days of comparison” since regional government latissima were 6.8, a highly indicative value culture. On the right la Documentation et des Plubications (SDP). IFREMER. and foot, culture lines legislation forbids marine cultures outside the of the fact that the macroalgae farmed in this Plouzane. in the second sampling complexes demarcated for the same. complex are assimilating, very significantly, Pérez Camacho A. (1992) Cultivo de mejillón en la batea. (10/03/2010). forms of nitrogen excreted by organisms at Cuadernos de Acuicultura. Ed. Consellería de Pesca, Ma- risqueo e Acuicultura. Xunta de Galicia, 48 pp. We note that, in any case, for the purposes a greater trophic level that surround them, Peteiro C., Salinas J.M., Freire O & Fuertes C. (2006) Cultiva- of this evaluation, we have growth data and probably the abundant ammonium that the tion of the autoctonous seaweed Laminaria saccharina on Temperature variation in days of culture analytics on macroalgae from experiences filtering molluscs such as mussel excrete into the Galician Coast NW Spain): Production and features of the sporophytes for an annual and biennal harvest. Tha- 16.0 in previous years carried out in other zones the medium (Pérez Camacho, 1992). lassas, 22: 45-53. 15.0 in Galicia and in other regions in the Iberian 14.0 Peninsula, both in the open sea and indoors.

13.0

12.0 Results and Discussion

11.0 As far as the environmental characteristics

Average temperature (ºC) 10.0 in this sea-borne installation are concerned, official oceanographic data are used due Photo: Authors’ archives Photo: Authors’ archives 09/12/200916/12/200923/12/200930/12/200906/01/201013/01/201020/01/201027/01/201003/02/201010/02/201017/02/201024/02/201003/03/201010/03/201017/03/201024/03/201031/03/201007/04/2010 to the fact that the cultures are located in Day marine complexes that are controlled on a regular basis. Temperature data obtained during the experiment is shown in Fig. 1.

The development of Saccharina latissima during the experiment was optimum, with a maximum growth increase of 5% per day, which was recorded in early February. Photo: Authors’ archives Average production per metre of line at the end of the experience was almost 6 kg., a figure lying within the production values in Galician waters obtained in other experiences (Peteiro, et al., 2006; Cremades Appearance of the culture lines in the final sampling et al., 2007). (17/04/2010). In the figure on the right, note the In the data on weight, depth plays a difference in size due to the vertical stratification determining role since, the deeper it is of the culture. 50 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 51

Biofiltration of solids from the effluent of a turbot farming plant, in a closed circuit, with filtering molluscs (clam and oyster), suspensivore invertebrates (anemone) and food macroalgae (Saccharina latissima and Ulva spp.) in O Grove (Pontevedra) Photo: Authors’ archives

Place where the experience was conducted at Punta Moreiras – O Grove (Pontevedra). Images from Google Maps and ortophotos from the SigPac viewer of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

his experience, headed by IMTA, (O Grove, Pontevedra). This company was conducted in the installations initially worked with turbot (Scophthalmus T of a fishfarm on land, with the maximus) and now also works with sole collaboration of PUNTA MOREIRAS, S.L. (Solea senegalensis). The farm operates in 52 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 53

open circuit and the water is oxygenated by exterior via a channel where a zone of viridis) where, also in a natural manner, means of the Venturi effect. The plant has a sedimentivores with anemone, another zone macroalgae (Ulva spp.) were grown. A second production capacity of 300 MT per annum, of filterers with clam and oyster –with an section incorporated a system for farming with 2,500 m2 farmed surface area, located initial size from one to two millimetres– were filtering invertebrates that basically involved a inside and in darkness. One of the basic located. Finally, the circuit ran into 2,000 litre series of ongrowing drums for grooved carpet

hypotheses was that the inclusion of cultures Photo: Authors’ archives tanks with algae, which acted as assimilators. shell (Tapes decussate), Japanese carpet shell would generate, among others, the following One of the main objectives was to evaluate (Ruditapes phillipinarum), pullet carpet shell benefits: improvement in the quality of the the increase in productivity of these (Venerupis pullastra) and Pacific cupped

effluent water by having removed CO2 and associated cultures, through using enriched oyster (Crassostrea gigas). nutrients, both dissolved and in suspension. waters, and also to check the absolute Another of the advantages was to ensure purifying capacity of the effluent. The second zone was a culture of assimilating the viability of diversifying aquaculture algae, in a semi-open circuit similar to that production in the plant. The resource used to farm invertebrates was already at the CIMA (Marine Research Centre an open-air channel, 1.5 m in width by 30 – Regional Government of Galicia), but on Description of the experience cm in height and 25 cm in length, which a larger scale. This system entails one unit Waters from the plant effluent were received the effluent from the fish ongrowing with four tanks, connected in parallel, with channelled into a biofilter of sedimentivore room and was divided into two zones. The 2,000 litres, for farming algae in suspension. and filtering invertebrates, the function of first zone included a section for farming The species most farmed were Saccharina which was to remove particles in suspension. sedimentivore invertebrates (Anemonia latissima (sugar kelp) during winter and Another of the biofilters was of macroalgae, On this page, three moments in the launching which acted as assimilators of nutrients of the circuit. in dissolution. The effluent led out to the

Flatfish ongrowing hall SEA (dark zone) Entry Diagram: Javier Cremades Photo: Authors’ archives Photo: Authors’ archives

Sedimentivores Filterers The diagram shows the sampling points for nutrients and chlorophyll Outlet at the water entrance (1), macroalgaE after passing through the fish (dark zone) (2), before Sampling points for nutrients and after passing through and chlorophyll the bivalves (3 and 4), in the algae culture (5, 6 and 7) and at the installation outlet (8). 54 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 55

productivity of algae and invertebrate cultures, associated with green algae Codium spp. and in terms of what would be obtained in non- Ulva spp., as well as with another non-fed eutrophicated waters, the growth rates obtained control culture, the three being developed at were regularly compared with the results for the CIMA installations. indoor tank farming, in an open-circuit regime

Photo: Authors’ archives with contribution from oceanic water. The result was that the maximum growth Photo: Authors’ archives occurred in the oysters maintained in the With a complementary experience, the effluent. Some drops of fat were found in the growth of bivalve seed was recorded, in this hepatopanchreas content, deriving from feed, case, for Pacific cupped oyster (Crassostrea as well as small particles (remains of faeces),

To the left, drum with gigas), in the effluent of the installation. and some unicellular green algae and diatoms. Pacific cupped oyster seed. This was compared with that of other seeds, In growth in the seed of the CIMA tanks, with Codium and Ulva, only gametes and spores spring, and Codium spp. and Ulva spp, during of algae were observed, which indicates that summer and autumn. Trial with three types of food in Crassostrea gigas there are three forms of food in the circuit: one for phytoplankton (flagellates and diatoms), This method makes it possible to isolate the 1. Effluent from Punta another deriving from the gametes and/or Moreiras: remains 0.07 systems of algae without affecting the other of feed spores of green algae, and a last one coming organisms during any possible treatment from the feed. Top, maintenance and 0.06 or cleaning processes and modify the rate monitoring work in the bivalves area. Right, and water renewal regime, in terms of the 0.05 Measurements of growth were also made of monitoring growth of demands of the different species, densities and 2. Gametes/Spores of the growth of clams during 10 months. Total Saccharina latissima in a 0.04 green macroalgae 2,000 litre tank. seasons of the year. (Ulva sp.) biomass increased from 2 to 29 kg. Out of the

0.03 initial number of 300,000 individuals, a mortality Photo: Authors’ archives 3. Gametes/Spores of The algae and invertebrates used in this of 18.5% was recorded in Japenese carpet shell Individual weight (g) green macroalgae experience were collected from natural stocks 0.02 (Codium sp.) and 12% in grooved carpet shell. But however, and were also obtained in mollusc nurseries. the increase in estimated economic value and 0.01 4. No feed Some clones of macroalgae came from the the speed of growth in 30 days turned out to installations of the Algae Culture Plant of the 02/06/09 04/08/09 be very similar in both cases. It was concluded, I.E.O. in Santander and from the CIMA, in therefore, that this system makes it possible to Vilanova de Arousa (Pontevedra). Final content of the hepatopanchreas in the four cases: ongrow in an open circuit several commercial 1. Effluent: drops of fat are observed (from the feed) and a large amount of very species of bivalves, maintained with the effluent Results small particles (remains of faeces); also some unicellular green seaweed and from a turbot farm. Data are now available on the growth rate diatoms are observed. 2. Tank with Ulva sp.: large cells with granulous content and numerous smaller of the algae and of the suspensivore and/ sized, golden coloured cells (gametes/spores) or almost colourless (digested) In another complementary experience, bivalve As regards algae cultures, there are data or filtering invertebrates, and also on the cells are observed. Some diatoms are noted. seed pre-ongrown at Punta Moreiras, was on the different species and seasons of the 3. Tank with Codium spp.: in less density, cells in similar size to the spores/game- concentration of macronutrients before and tes of Ulva are observed, but they are completely colourless. seeded in an intertidal park in Carril. The year, the required regime and minimum flow after their passage through the culture zone. 4. Tank with no macroalgae: hardly no particulated matter observed. results of this work are explained in another required, so that the system can maintain In order to estimate the improvement in section of this same publication. the maximum sustainable biomass. This 56 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 57

This graph shows the Anemonia viridis under Ammonium data for two weeks 05/05/09 the water in the zone for the variation in 18 Silicate for farming suspensivore μmol/L of nutrients, 16 Phosphate invertebrates. Note the Nitrite ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, 14 considerable abundance 12 NO3 + NO2 phosphate and silicate, Nitrate of particulated matter in 10 present in the seawater µmol/L-1 suspension. throughout the circuit. A 8 Photo: Authors’ archives considerable increase in 6 ammonium is noted after 4 2 passing through the fish 0 (sampling point 2) due to eutrophication, whereas 16/06/09 inside the seaweed culture 18 it is reduced (sampling 16 points 5, 6 and 7). The 14 high value of ammonia 12 recorded at the outlet 10 -1 (sampling point 8) is due µmol/L 8 to the fact that the greater 6 part of the water flow 4 does not pass through the 2 seaweed circuit. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Sampling points

biomass had a cycle of partial harvests, circuit, the multi-trophic integration of the Conclusions green algae and bivalve growth, due to the which made it possible to calculate the system was evaluated. • The systems and practices applied in the release of gametes and/or spores. productivity of the system by volume of experience made it possible to maintain various effluent. The improvement in the productivity of these commercial species of bivalves in an open circuit • Presumably, there are three types of food for cultures and the biofiltration capacity of the regime, with the effluent from a turbot plant. bivalves: microalgae, spores and gametes from A comparison was made between the growth system were also estimated, analysing the macroalgae and microparticulated feed. of two species: “sugar kelp” (Saccharina characteristics of the water, before and after its • Ammonia concentration increased in the latissima), farmed in winter at a temperature passage through the different associated cultures. water as it passed through the fish and mollusc • Mollusc biomass grew from 2 to 29 kg. in a below 17ºC, and Ulva spp., as a summer tanks, and lessened as it passed through the period of 10 months. species, as it coincides with its natural As regards the evolution of plankton and algae. season of appearance on the beaches. It was nutrients in the water, important variations • In the case of algae, the increased biomass/ proven that the yield, in terms of biomass were noted in chlorophyll A concentrations, • Chlorophyll A values lessened in the water, month in 2,000 litre tanks and in spring- production, is far higher in Ulva spp. The undoubtedly due to the production of due to picoplankton (0.7 μm < 2.7 μm), on summer was 37% for Saccharina latissima, increase in biomass/month in 2,000 litre phytoplanktonic blooms in the different zones passing through the fish, in the dark zone, which grew from 8 to 12 kg. In the case of tanks, during the spring-summer period, was in the system based on dissolved nutrients. while increasing in the illuminated zone and in Ulva spp., it was 568% since ongrowing 37% for Saccharina, increasing from 8 to 12 As far as water quality is concerned, the most the zone of the macroalgae, to finally reduce increased from 4 to 27 kg. kg., and 568% in Ulva, which increased from relevant fact was the drastic reduction in when passing through the bivalves. 4 to 27 kg. With the data on the variation in ammonia levels, following its passage through • Reproduction by bipartition of anemone nutrients and chlorophyll A collected in the the macroalgae culture tanks. • There is a demonstrated interaction between (Anemonia viridis) was demonstrated. 58 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 59

Ongrowing of grooved carpet shell and carpet shell clams from • Improved quality of the water from the

multi-trophic seedbed at the farming park in Carril (Pontevedra) effluent due to removal of CO2 and nutrients, both dissolved and in suspension. The biologist, Salvador • Check the feasibility of increasing and Guerrero, (left), at the Carril park where grooved he experience described here mainly set Objective diversifying aquaculture production in carpet shell and carpet out to look into how growth evolves, in The objective of the experience described the plant, in this case, with ongrowing of shell seed were ongrown, from a multi-trophic Tan intertidal park, with seed from two here was to evaluate the advantages or bivalve mollusc seed, and the production of culture experience at a commercial bivalve species: grooved carpet possible disadvantages of ongrowing in an other invertebrates and food macroalgae. turbot fish farm in open shell and carpet shell clams, from a nursery, intertidal farming park of bivalve mollusc circuit. that were pre-ongrown by a multi-trophic seed pre-ongrown in integrated multi-trophic Pre-ongrowing commenced in the seedbed with: aquaculture system. As explained earlier, culture systems, as opposed to that from this system used effluent from a turbot traditional seedbeds. Grooved carpet shell Grooved shell ongrowing farm with a closed water circuit. Size 2.58 mm 2.87 mm Material and Methods Individual size 0.012 g 0.010 g

The results of this study complementary to the 1. Pre-ongrowing in a multi-trophic Total weight 500 g 1700 g Photo: Authors’ archives experience in Punta Moreiras, demonstrated system. (15/10/08-05/08/09) Total individuals 108,500 196,600 the feasibility of pre-ongrowing seed from these two species, applying a multi-trophic The multi-trophic system was developed with 2. Seeding (05/08/09) culture and their aptitude for subsequent biofiltration of effluent from a turbot farming ongrowing in a farming park. As far as the plant in open circuit using filtering molluscs Once the seed has reached the appropriate authors are concerned, this is proof that multi- (clam), suspensivore invertebrates (anemone) size, it is transferred for seeding in a 600 trophic pre-ongrowing, which differs from and food macroalgae. m2 plot of land in the Carril park. When that conducted in a conventional seedbed, transferred, the data on size and weight for is applicable to the processes and stages of The following advantages were obtained with both species were: bivalve cultures. this integration: Grooved carpet shell Grooved shell Size 7.96 mm 7.03 mm Individual weight 0.11 g 0.088 g Total weight 265 g 340 g Grooved carpet shell Total individuals 2,359 3,864 and carpet shell, from a nursery and pre-ongrown

in a multi-trophic Photo: Authors’ archives 3. First year in park. aquaculture system, ready for seeding in the farming (05/08/09-10/08/10) park. Top, location of the Carril Seeding was checked after one year, with farming parks. Images from Google Maps and a random sampling of 30 individuals. Total ortophotos from the weight of the sample was measured with a SigPac viewer at the Ministry of Agriculture, dynamometer and the individual length of Food and Environment. each of the species was taken: 60 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 61

Grooved carpet shell Grooved shell Conclusions Size 23.72 mm 27.91 mm • While during the multi-trophic pre- Individual weight 3 g 5.83 g ongrowing process there are no significant differences in growth between grooved The park was cleaned at regular intervals, carpet shell and carpet shell (experience in Photo: Authors’ archives Photo: Authors’ archives eliminating algae, predators, remains of shells Punta Moreiras), at the end of the first year and dead bivalves. in the park a difference was noted between both species, with the grooved shell growing Results to a larger size. Figures 1, 2 and 3 show the distribution of sizes in the samplings: at the start of • In the future, we may consider optimizing pre-ongrowing, during seeding and after a bivalve seed culture system, both for one year in the farming park. grooved carpet shell and for carpet shell, with Data is also given on the growth in size a multi-trophic type pre-ongrowing process and individual weight, during the study in installations on land. The behaviour of period. the individuals obtained in this manner, from when seeded in the intertidal park and during ongrowing, does not differ from a Fig. 3. Growth in size and individual weight during clam seed culture from a traditional seedbed 14 14 the study period of the 12 12 (Santamaría et al., 2009). two species. 10 10 1st year 1st year 8 in park 8 in park 6 10/08/10 6 10/08/10 4 4 Grooved carpet shell clam 2 2 Carpet shell clam % Distribution of sizes 0 % Distribution of sizes 0 30 14 14 25 12 12 20 10 10 8 8 15 6 6 10 seeding Size (mm) 4 4 seeding 05/08/09 05/08/09 5 2 2 % Distribution of sizes % Distribution of sizes 0 0 0

14 14 12 12 Figs. 1 and 2. Distribution 6 10 10 of sizes (in mm) of 8 8 4 6 Multi-trophic grooved carpet shell clam 6 Multi-trophic 4 pre-ongrowing (Tapes decusussatus) 4 pre-ongrowing 15/10/08 15/10/08 2 and carpet shell clam 2 2 % Distribution of sizes 0 (Ruditapes phillippinarum) % Distribution of sizes 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 from pre-ongrowing in 5 10 15 20 25 30 a multi-trophic seedbed Individual weight (g) 0 Size (mm) of Tapes decussatus Size (mm) of Ruditapes philippinarum to the first year in a farm Pre-ongrowing seeding 1st year in park park. 62 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 63

Incorporation of cultures of Saccharina latissima and of suspensivore and filtering invertebrates in a turbot and common sole production plant, with water recirculation, in Cambados (Pontevedra) Photo: Authors’ archives

Aquacria Arousa has its installations in Bico da Ran, Cambados (Pontevedra). Images from Google Maps and orthophotos from the SigPac viewer of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

he main industrial task for the adopt the closed circuit water system. With Aquacría Arousa S.L. fish farm is to a production capacity of 500 tonnes per Tongrow flatfish. Producing turbot annum, it covers a working surface area for (Scophthalmus maximus), this farm currently farm of 10,500 m2. Plans are to expand in also rears common sole (Solea senegalensis). order to reach 1,500 tones per annum of This is one of the first marine farms to flatfish. 64 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 65

Tanks where the Tanks for algae experiences were conducted at the Centre for Marine Research of the Regional Government of Galicia (CIMA-Corón, Pontevedra) and detail of Diagram: Javier Cremades Photo: Authors’ archives the system used.

Airline Waterline

laboratory on developing culture methods around 10-20 cm, obtained from the Unit in closed circuit Tanks for filtering molluscs and other invertebrates and techniques for filtering molluscs and germoplasm bank of “El Bocal” algae suspensivore invertebrates, especially the culture plant at the I.E.O. Santander. At this cnidarian Anemonia viridis (anemone) and point, plants of Ulva rotundata were used, Overall design of the facility used for IMTA polychaete worms Arenicola marina (lugworm), also cultured at these installations. Both experiences at the Effluent from the fish farm passes through Some of the main objectives of this work Alitta virens (king ragworm), and Nereis species have a high growth rate and good Aquacría Arousa fish a complex purifying system of mechanical involved obtaining data in order to evaluate aibuhitensis (Korean sand worm), a selection assimilation of dissolved nitrogen, and are farming plant (Cambados, Pontevedra). and biological filters and, finally, it undergoes the increases in productivity of these cultures made with the criterion that it should include increasingly used in human and animal food bacteriological treatment to ensure that associated with fish production, with the use integrable species, following appropriate industries. bacterial flora associated with the culture of nutrient enriched waters. The work also scaling, in the fish farm installations. is controlled. The system automatically made it possible to control the capacity to Polyethylene tanks with a capacity for regulates various parameters, such as pH improve the quality of water from effluent Food macroalgae cultures 2,000 litres were used in these experiences and water temperature. A given volume of by removing the CO2 and both solid and At the initial stage, juvenile plants of where the movement of seaweed farmed water is renewed on a daily basis, ranging dissolved nutrients. Attention should be drawn Saccharina latissima were used, measuring in suspension was by injecting air along the from 5 to 10%. Furthermore, all the physical- to the fact that the species of food seaweed, chemical parameters affecting water quality the sedimentivore invertebrates – anemones are regularly analysed. and polychaete worms – selected, besides their high degree of operativeness in other The company has contributed to the IMTA systems, have a high economic potential. experience, with no economic consideration, 2

a surface area of 120 m , with power outlets Previous experiences Photo: Authors’ archives and filtered water outlet of the same quality The first case of this experience involved as that present in the installation, to be studying at the CIMA installations, using Macroalgae farming used in a seaweed circuit. It has also made experimental circuits, culture in suspension tanks at the Aquacria available another flow of non-filtered water of food seaweeds, particularly Saccharina installations. On the left, with Saccharina latissima. from effluent for experiences with filtering latissima (“sugar kelp”) and Ulva spp. (sea On the right, with Ulva and sedimentivore organisms. lettuce). Work was also conducted in the rotundata. 66 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 67

density of 2 kilos per m3, was analyzed, tested location, is feasible from October to noting that after 12 days of farming, over April, and that the maximum productivity one third of the Initial nitrates still remained is obtained at least at densities of 4 kg/ in the water tank that were approximately 7 m3. From May onwards, the crop must

mg/l of N as NO3. be replaced in IMTA system, by a more

thermophilic and photophilic species and, Photo: Authors’ archives Photo: Authors’ archives This reveals that the renewal rate with such in fact, this is what we are now doing, enriched water can be very low and that, in farming Ulva rotundata with very good this case, it would be necessary to measure results. and control pH values automatically at times of maximum photosynthetic activity so that Invertebrate cultures. Anemones they do not exceed lethal values due to the Anemonia viridis (snakelock anemone) is a high growth rate of the species. cnidarian of the class anthozoa, which has been recently studied on the coasts of Galicia The second experiment set out to determine to determine its abundance, reproduction the optimal culture density, which is one and sustainability of exploitation of natural that, with unlimited nutrients, gives the populations in order to regulate their lower side of the tank. As stated above, Tanks in which the highest net return. To achieve this, low initial commercial extraction, originated by its the water used is from the effluent of fish experiences were densities were applied as a basis in a high increasing economic interest and gastronomic population of anemones kept in filtered conducted at the Aquacría and is mechanically filtered in order to installations. turnover regime (half a tank a day) in order and nutritional values. water did not increase in number and remove particles over 70 µm. Experiences to estimate weekly biomass increase density dropped 33% in weight. commenced in February 2011, and continue and to identify at which density the system In this case, we compared the growth of to the present. shifts into a stationary phase. So far, we the species using the two types of water These results clearly demonstrate the have achieved densities of 4 kg/m3, a figure available in the fish farm, i.e., filtered and protein value of fish faeces, feed residues Since culture in suspension of Saccharina that is likely to be higher if we conduct the rich in solid particles. At 45 days of culture, and flocculated bacteria present in the latissima in fish farm effluents lacks any experience in a seasonal period more suited the population kept in unfiltered water effluent from the fish farm, as well as the Below left, specimen of precedent, the work conducted sets out to farming the species. experienced a 50% increase in total biomass. Anemonia viridis at the tremendous future that this species may to determine, in a preliminary manner, the In addition, the number of individuals time of the bipartition, have in IMTA systems, especially in view next to this, tank where influence of the main factors of this type of It should, unfortunately, be admitted that this by asexual reproduction (bipartition) of anemones were kept and of their asexual reproductive capacity and culture. experience could not be concluded with the larger fish also increased. But however, the detail of some specimens. economic value. expected success, because it started very late The first experiment gave data on the and the environmental conditions, especially ability of algae to consume nutrients in the temperature in the last two weeks of the medium, and so it was possible to the experience (late April), were limiting for establish a minimum of necessary renewal developing Saccharina latissima. system, so that their growth generates an optimal production value. To achieve this, From these experiments it is concluded, Photo: Authors’ archives the decrease of the nitrate concentration therefore, that the cultivation of Saccharina without renewal of water, based on a latissima in outdoor tanks, at least in the 68 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 69

Polychaetes bacterial flocculates. After one month with a filter and to allow the particulate matter to There is a large market for marine this type of feed, a total average increase of gradually accumulate on the surface. polychaetes used as bait for fishing and as 12%, and a 100% survival were obtained. a food supplement in farming crustaceans However, with a mixture of sand and mud, Preliminary data from this experiment indicate and fish. Today in Galicia, several exotic growth has been zero, with a mortality in that the native species Alitta virens shows

species from Asia, or autochthonous the same period of 12.5%. Photo: Authors’ archives greater adaptation to the culture than the species collected in the wild, are marketed. allochthonous Nereis aibuhitensis, which is Techniques for growing these species in Another analogous experiment was noted by a higher growth and lower mortality Spain are still at a very pioneering stage, conducted with Arenicola marina rate. and are clearly inadequate for meeting (lugworm) since, a priori, it is a good demand. candidate because, unlike nereididae, which Conclusions are carnivores, it is a sedimentivores species In view of the results obtained in cultures Some survival experiences were also capable of assimilating organic matter of suspended algae and with various conducted outside the aquatic environment available in the substrata. Extremely good These initial experiments indicate that the Experimental system used suspensivore invertebrates, and based on our of the species studied, species that are results were obtained with this species, three species can be fed with solid mud in previous experiences previous experience with filtering molluscs in with polychaetes at CIMA. of interest for possible marketing of such using a mixture of substrata composed from fish farms. As is already known, this type of system (see the Punta Moreiras species. Previous work projects at the CIMA of a fourth part of mud from a fish farm the species Alitta virens and Nereis experience), it seems likely that, in the near laboratories, using Nereis aibuhitensis (Korean and three quarters of sand. Under these aibuhitensis are carnivorous, indicating that future, it will be feasible to optimize an IMTA ragworm), set out to compare the nutritional conditions, at 39 days, an average growth the mud from fish farms contains a protein system on land, combining fish/anemone/ value of the mud in the water effluent from a of 106% was obtained. value high enough to feed any type of polychaetes/molluscs/macroalgae, which will Experimental system fish farm with other food sources such as fish Although this species shows a higher polychaete. for polychaetes used at generate a diversification of production and a feed, with and without substrate, and beach growth than that of carnivorous Aquacría, incorporating substantial improvement in the management with drums with sand mud. polychaetes in the nereididae family, has In view of the good results obtained tank, aeration and water of mud and in the quality of effluent the disadvantage of a high mortality rate. with mud in the previous experience, flow. discharged into the sea. The results of this experiment show that the So, although it has a considerable potential we conducted a second experiment, this From left to right, best yields are obtained using mud as food specimens of Nereis for being used in purifying mud from fish time at the Aquacría plant, to ensure that only when it measures less than 1 mm, from aibuhitensis (Korean farms, further research and experiences residual particulate matter from the effluent ragworm), Arenicola the fish farm effluent and when it is mainly marina (lugworm) and are needed more in order to improve their is sufficient for the growth of the two composed of remains of feed, feces and Alitta virens. survival rate. nereididae polychaete species that showed better survival rates: the autochthonous

Alitta virens and the allochthonous Nereis Photo: Authors’ archives aibuhitensis. It was also possible to compare the growth and mortality rates in this new environment. In the system tested, air-lift drums were used inside containers fed with

Photo: Authors’ archives water from the effluent water, containing a coarse washed sand substrate and a base of fine sand, to enable polychaetes to bury themselves. The system is designed to act as 70 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 71

5 TESTIMONIALS

Scientists and experts provide criteria, data and results of experiences in the field of sustainable integrated aquaculture Illustrations: X aquín Chaves

esearch works on IMTA developed in + + several countries focus on analyzing the Rscope and efficiency of an alternative to make aquaculture more sustainable and productive. On these and other aspects a group of experts, including scientists, entrepreneurs and managers express their views.

In some cases, the collaborations provide proven knowledge about the processes of integrating cultures and, in others, they describe resources to assess and take advantage of aquaculture waste. There are also evaluative analyses on IMTA and authors describing the objective difficulties to be overcome to in order to make further progress. In any case, it is an opinion and input of data, + + to encourage reflection in this regard within the scientific community, in government fisheries and in the aquaculture industry.

The team of researchers who conducted the IMTA experiences in Galicia, in the framework of Jacumar, agrees in pointing it, through their collaborations, the need for administrations to continue with their commitment to the continuity of such works and also to facilitate communication and information exchange in this area. Another common criterion is + + that IMTA is feasible from the environmental, production and cost points of view for the system of marine aquaculture in Galicia. 72 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 73

Galicia’s commitment to aquaculture. The Galician Aquaculture Strategy

The Galician Aquaculture Strategy (ESGA) is established as an instrument for ar- framework for planning and relaunching management plans for aquaculture, such as ticulating and organizing govern the planning and management of aquaculture aquaculture, with a time horizon up to 2030, the Food Technology Parks Plan for 2005 or activity in Galicia, in terms of the horizon of 2030. Its main objective is to relaunch linking the different measures not later than the Galician Aquaculture Plan 2008. aquaculture so that it generates employment and wealth in a balanced man- the end of 2014. ner, with environmental respect and integration. It is grounded on a unanimous Actions to achieve a comprehensive scope, commitment to the European decision-making and consultative frameworks for The fulcrum point on which this initiative ranging from the modification and specific aquaculture and, in the Galician regional framework, it will respond to the need, rests is the Galician Aquaculture Strategy strengthening of the regulatory framework, Juan Carlos Maneiro established by the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, to have a multi-annual (ESGA), which primarily aims to achieve with measures such as the development and Cadillo (1958), a biologist strategic plan for aquaculture by 2014. the balance and sustainability of adoption of the Galician Aquaculture Law, from the University of Santiago de Compostela aquaculture in terms of environmental, the Decree on the Ordinance of farming was a professor at this social and economic considerations, from parks park or the reform of the Fishermen`s university until 1988. Between 1991 and 2005, he alicia has a privileged marine new Common Fisheries Policy, CFP), point a comprehensive and inclusive approach, Guilds of Galicia Law, while improving worked at the Technological environment where the Atlantic to prioritizing the development of marine able to make progress in all fields related to management structure with competencies Institute for the control of Ocean and the Cantabrian Sea have farming for which, from the Xunta de Galicia, Galician aquaculture. in aquaculture through actions such as the Marine Environment G (Intecmar), where he was been generous in providing well-being and working on promoting a relaunch to bring the internal reorganization of the former director between 1997 and wealth. For this reason, the Galicians have back the productive and innovative dynamism In this regard, this strategy will be integrated Regional Maritime Department of Galicia 2005. Between 2005 and 2009 he worked for the been involved in an intense struggle over that characterized it in the past. in line with the territorial planning or the creation of a Centralized Processing Valencian Association of the centuries, forged in the know-how, in established in Galicia by the Regional Authority, taking advantage of the synergies Aquaculture Enterprises sacrifice and the effort of sailors, fishermen In this regard, Galicia sets out to become Planning Guidelines (DOT) and, in coastal of collaboration with other consultation (AVEMPI), heading a mussel processing industry and, and shellfish collectors. an example by develop a broad-based areas in particular it will be developed bodies already in place, such as the Regional finally, in mid-2008 he commitment to aquaculture within its in accordance with the provisions of the Fisheries Department of Galicia or the was Deputy Director of the Spanish Association of Over the last few decades, this work has territory, working to recover the momentum Coastal Management Plan (POL). Likewise, it Galician Scientific Committee on Fisheries. Fishing Towns (AECIPE) . begun to take in production processes that the Galician aquaculture sector has is the tool that will specify the commitment At the same time, others will be created as From 2009 to January 2012, associated with marine farming, making always had, which led us to rank at the and support for aquaculture established the Technical Aquaculture Committee or the he was Director General of Competitiveness and the economic and social ties of the whole leading edge of this activity, at national by the Regional Council of the Galician Observatory for Aquaculture Marketing. Technological Innovation Galician maritime and fishing scenario and international levels, in areas such as Government, by adopting the “Declaration at the Galician Regional Maritime Department of stronger, within the general framework of miticulture, farming flatfish or trout. of aquaculture as a matter of prime public The strategy also develops the overall the Regional Government our productive activities linked to the sea. interest” for Galicia. planning of the aquaculture sector in all of Galicia, and is currently Galicia, following the proposals formulated physical areas of Galicia (maritime, maritime- Secretary General of the Rural and Maritime However, while a slowdown in recent years in the European Union area by different From a holistic and integrated viewpoint land, land-coast and the interior), promoting Environment, with the of European aquaculture and Spanish is political and administrative fields such as the of aquaculture, the strategy establishes the drafting of the Master Plan for Coastal competences assigned to the Department in still evident, which also affects Galician European Commission itself, the European new steps to advance qualitatively and Aquaculture, the Fishfarming Management aquaculture planning and aquaculture, new trends and commitments Parliament or the European Economic and quantitatively in terms of regulatory and Plan and the Ordinance Plan for farming in management. within the Community framework (the Social Committee, has developed a strategic administrative frameworks set in previous the Maritime-Land zone. 74 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 75

In a commitment to quality, the strategy environment or coastal areas, but also in the includes the development of various codes of interior, combining coastal aquaculture with good practice in aquaculture and specifically agricultural activities and/or livestock, based encourages research and innovation, on its ability to provide a highly sustainable establishing strategic lines of action and the management model. The CIMA headquarters in Pedras de Corón, Vilanova establishment of collaborative frameworks de Arousa (Pontevedra). that allow for the use of technical and In this sense, IMTA must necessarily human resources, equipped with the contribute to solving some of the extremely important infrastructure that weaknesses and threats in Galician Galicia has in this field. And parallel paths aquaculture, as identified by ESGA will be taken in the training framework. and, basically, should contribute to the diversification of some of the current On the other hand, in view of the monocultures characteristic of Galician fundamental importance that marketing aquaculture (floating mussel beds), has on the feasibility of the aquaculture, maintaining the distributive social structure the strategy directly affects the adoption of some aquaculture models (mussels and of measures and actions to ensure that the in a sense, shellfish collecting), and its products are sold adequately, in order to compatibility with the models of industrial increase their value and to coordinate supply exploitation, while minimizing environmental and demand, with special emphasis on impacts, competition for space and coordination with the processes of marketing contributing to improving the social and product processing coming from perception of this activity, among others. catches. In Galicia, IMTA still lacks the necessary The strategy also provides the necessary regulatory framework necessary for being mechanisms to identify ways of promoting implemented with full guarantees. Within aquaculture, either by improving society’s the context of ESGA and, more specifically, view of the activity itself or the commercial the Galician Aquaculture Act, particular assessment of their products. attention is drawn to the development of all administrative regulations providing In the context of ESGA, Integrated Multi- legal security, economic feasibility and trophic Aquaculture, IMTA, is expected to environmental sustainability of IMTA. play a key role in the relaunching of Galician aquaculture, not just in the physical marine [email protected] 76 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 77

Commitment to IMTA

ome of the data produced to date of farms while promoting diversification the Spanish Institute of Oceanography has from the experiences of integrated of cultures. The presence of efficient been very positive, all of which has enabled Smulti-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) in biofilterers, algae and molluscs, in different work to progress favourably. Galicia indicate that particulates waste combinations, guarantees a significant

Photo: Jorge García from feed and fish feces improve growth reduction of the environmental impacts of Among the suggestions that can be made as rates of bivalve filterers. There are also these activities. Experimental knowledge regards the next steps that need be taken, is positive results with growth, filtering transferred to the aquaculture industry has the need for continuity in the experimental capacity and assimilation of nitrogen from a good level of development, in countries work and to make IMTA known as a solid the seaweed “sugar kombu” in long-line where research into IMTA has been made alternative for sustainable aquaculture Salvador Guerrero cultures in the Rias of Muros, Ares and with method and perseverance. and, therefore, for it to be understood and Valero, Doctor in Biology, Betanzos. On the other hand, tests carried accepted by society at large. began work on marine farming in Galicia in out with polychaetes and anemones, fed In my opinion, there is a need to extend the the early 70’s. Initially with mud from the effluent from a flatfish work that we have carried out in Galicia To further this process, the three main focusing on farming oyster and grooved carpet farm have demonstrated a good survival in terms of IMTA. Most of the data points partners are the fisheries administration, shell and pullet carpet rate and help to making parallel cultures, researchers and industry, which includes shell clams. In 1975, using the effluent, which would also reduce both guilds as entrepreneurs. It is also he joined the team of scientists in the Shellfish eutrophication. It is expected to be necessary to expected to be necessary to revise the Plan, a pioneering revise the regulations for the use of regulations for the use of the marine research organization in Galicia. One of its Everything appears to point to the fact that, the marine environment in terms environment in the sense of promoting work lines was to set in the coming years, IMTA practices and of promoting the diversification diversification of production and reducing up mollusc nurseries. systems will be adopted by the aquaculture environmental impact. The body of work on flat of production and reducing oyster is the central issue industry worldwide. In the case of Galicia, of his doctoral thesis. He where thousands of jobs associated environmental impact Finally, to enable the aquaculture industry to has worked with triploid clam in Conwy, United with farming molluscs and fish, certain contribute to economic rationality and good Kingdom, with oyster at peculiarities should be taken into account, to the fact that integrated multi-trophic management of the marine environment Rutgers University in New such as the existence of large areas of the aquaculture in the fish farming system in posed by the IMTA, one of the key Jersey, and mussels at Taylor’s Hatchery, also in estuaries taken up by monocultures, which place in Galicia is industrially viable. With conditions is that the regional, central and the U.SA. Commissioned is a circumstance to be considered. new experiences, further consistency will be community administrations should continue by the FAO, he selected the site, designed and given to the knowledge acquired. with their commitment to analyzing launched the first Although the future for integrated marine feasibility and evaluating the objective mangrove oyster farm farming described here is largely optimistic, Moreover, in order to initiate an IMTA advantages of adopting the increasingly in Cuba. He is currently working for the Marine there is no denying that there are great process in marine farming on the Iberian widespread protocols, practices and systems Research Centre (CIMA), difficulties to overcome and complex peninsular coastline, collaboration between practices. under the Regional Government of Galicia. problems to be solved. IMTA, in general, research organizations under the Galician optimizes the performance of installations Regional Government, the University of A on land and in the marine environment Coruña, some companies in the sector and [email protected] 78 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 79

Galicia, a good place for IMTA

s with most scientific and technical ecosystem able to create employment and and animal food, in the same manner that conditions of Galicia are, undoubtedly, the discoveries – as occurs with the wealth, biological and cultural diversity and cows eat the grass of the meadows, the pigs best in the country for the full expression of Aevolution of human thought - we even beautiful scenery. It is almost a truism. acorns of the pasture and we the vegetables Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture. tend to attribute them to a single person, But why have we not done this before now? from our gardens. Farming marcoalgae does

Photo: Jorge García the discoverer, but in actual fact, such I think the reason is twofold: firstly, because not waste land or fresh water, needing only Moreover, we have experience in many a finding is nothing but the result of a we are hardly aware of the “waste” deriving sunlight and the “waste” dissolved in the aquaculture techniques and have also sufficient degree of maturity of the society from aquaculture, which is diluted into the water discharged by animals and man into pioneered the development of farming at large and has many fathers who have vast sea or is hidden under its surface and, the environment. techniques and the commercial exploitation contributed, in one way or another, to its secondly, because we lack interest and of marine macroalgae food. Galicia is the Javier Cremades Ugarte making. If it were the work of one man, it expertise in farming and harvesting marine Like any new business initiative initially in best scenario for “brainstorming” in multi- (Vitoria, 1959) is a would not be understood and would fall macroalgae, the prime producers needed for generates costs, involving complications, trophic aquaculture, although not without Doctor in Pharmacy and professor at the University into oblivion, as so often has happened existence in a real multi-trophic system, the false expectations, mistaken approaches, difficulty, the conditions are in place and of A Coruña in the field with the ideas or discoveries of pioneers of main organisms capable of using, in their flaws in design, delays ... there will always there are biological resources, human and of Botany, as well as promoter and coordinator the day. for the university’s Inter-University Masters In my opinion, Integrated Multi-trophic Integrated Multi-trophic Multi-trophic aquaculture must, The oceanographic, and PhD in Galician Aquaculture. Since 1992, Aquaculture (IMTA) is not a utopia since Aquaculture (IMTA) is not a utopia therefore, be linked to the geomorphological, climatic, biological he heads the team it appears at a historical moment when researching into marine since it appears at a historical development of seaweed farming and socio-economic conditions of benthonic algae. In initiatives and experiences inspired by it arise moment when initiatives and and its subsequent economic Galicia are, undoubtedly, the best in collaboration with the everywhere and independently. It is a new experiences inspired by it arise upgrading, at least in sectors such as the country for the full expression of company Porto-Muiños, call for a diverse, productive, sustainable he has developed research everywhere and independently human and animal food Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture projects designed to and environment friendly aquaculture. It bring the main species of is an activity which, as is often the case, edible seaweed off the coast of Galicia out of the Orientals have practiced since time their anonymity. He also immemorial, albeit empirically and not in the development, this so-called “waste” and be naysayers, those who are suspicious and technical resources to surmount almost any works in the development full sense of the term, and with which us of regenerating the environment. But this jealous lurking around ready to throw a type of test. To check on this, one only has to of marine farming for some of these species. Westerners have recently become obsessed, is changing: we are increasingly concerned spanner in the works. But if the idea is good, read this book carefully. He has steered four bent on introducing technology, purifying about waste management and, in any simply going of how it has developed, as a doctoral theses and has authored several books and making an in-depth analysis from the supermarket, we can find Galician seaweed result of knowing how to learn from mistakes Therefore, we can be leaders in the and scientific papers and scientific-technical and business angle. for our consumption, if of course, we know and not lose heart, there will come a time development and establishment of multi- more than one hundred how to prepare them. when the road is downhill from here on, and trophic aquaculture systems which, and this is articles published in scientific journals, both Almost everything has been invented and we all want to take it. So we have to keep an open secret, are the future for aquaculture national and international, anyone would think that we could do the Multi-trophic aquaculture must, therefore, going, no matter what. as a profitable, diverse and environmentally mostly focusing on various aspects of the marine same in aquaculture as we do in agriculture, be linked to the development of seaweed friendly activity. algae of Galicia. that we can approach the concept of farming and its subsequent economic The oceanographic, geomorphological, pasturing, of a sustainable exploitation of the upgrading, at least in sectors such as human climatic, biological and socio-economic [email protected] 80 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 81

Agriculture and aquaculture

lthough the definitions given by first scientific work aimed at controlling the life their development, since it is difficult to take and environmental benefit, is an original technical dictionaries indicate that cycle and reproduction of some fish (mainly board concepts, with all their complexity, approach, unique and revolutionary in A agriculture and aquaculture are salmonids) began. Also, but in an empirical such as farming in volume as opposed to onshore production, and although the strikingly similar, their development could manner, simple techniques were developed surface farming, the presence of continuous concept has always been present, we have

Photo: Jorge García not be more different. Agriculture allowed for what is now known as polyculture with gradients, the environment as a simple not been able to address its application man to move out of the Palaeolithic and compatible, complementary and economically support or as a vital element, or something scientifically until the end of the 20th century. start transforming the landscape, ecology, exploitable species. This latter circumstance, that is unthinkable in traditional agriculture: a economy, technology and socio-political without realizing it at the time, brought us circulating medium. For the aquaculture technicians of the future, it aspects that has continued until today. In closer to to IMTA (integrated multi-trophic will be their duty to assume that waste products Juan Manuel Salinas contrast, aquaculture does not, for many aquaculture) farming, which we will refer later. Mentally, we are farmers and ranchers are a source of energy that we are obliged Morrondo received his reasons, involve the social importance of attempting to restructure ourselves as to make use of that will allow us to reap B.A. in Biological Sciences at the University of agriculture. This asynchrony between agriculture farmers. Proof of this, and in contrast to additional benefits while preserving the farming Navarra and, since 1975, and aquaculture has led to there being a agriculture, is that much of the development and natural environment. Having accepted the works at the Spanish Institute of Oceanography However, in parallel with agriculture, albeit technology gap in the latter of over 10,000 of aquaculture depends on solving the concept of IMTA farming, it will be essential to (IEO). He also specializes marginally, techniques were developed for years, during which man has learned to select problems that it generates. So, over the research into the different models, selecting the in R&D and is a specialist a proto-aquaculture, based on catching and farm a large number of species, and to coming years, we will have to test techniques most suitable species to study the balance of in seaweed farming. Initially, he worked in the and ongrowing, mainly fish and in confined develop such a diverse range of techniques of and protocols to solve problems such as waste biomass and production in the different trophic assessment and control of environments, which allowed for a production and processing. But however, in from aquaculture installations, recirculating levels, find synergies between the different the industrial exploitation of natural fields of algae diversification of diets and the development this period, the development of the technical water quality, energy saving, optimization of production systems, and so on. and the development of an incipient economic niche, but without fundamentals of aquaculture occurred very production systems and so on. of farming techniques addressing the fundamentals of farming, slowly by being outside of any socio-economic It is not difficult to imagine, in the near for agarophytes. Since 1994, he is responsible such as knowledge of the life cycle, selection pressure that would have boosted it. In this context, IMTA cultures will probably future, aquaculture complexes designed and for the Algae Plant at of species and others. entail the most original contribution operating under the multi-trophic concept, El Bocal IEO, Santander. He has participated in But the increase in fish consumption and of aquaculture to food production in which some of the food will be produced R&D, both nationally Fish farming ponds were developed both in the gradual depletion of fish stocks led to technologies. The use, in a confined within the system, and in which there will and internationally, the Far East and Central Europe, reaching a an urgent demand for solutions, and in environment, of several trophic levels to be no environmental impact since nothing and has patents and publications on farming peak from the Middle Ages onwards, but it this context aquaculture came into view take advantage of energy as byproducts of strange would be poured into the natural and applications of algae. was not until the mid 19th century when the committed to solving, in the shortest possible intensive fish aquaculture, with industrial environment. His work has focused on seaweeds of economic time (barely 50 years), what man had taken interest through the This asynchrony several millennia to solve for agriculture. It is not difficult to imagine, There is no doubt about the fact that the development of projects society that makes the most progress in this of an industrial and between agriculture and in the near future, aquaculture institutional. Currently, aquaculture has led to there Perhaps this pressure has occasionally complexes designed and operating original concept will take on a dominant he is working on growing forced technicians to take some actions technological position in the development of techniques, both outdoor being a technology gap under the multi-trophic concept, lacking in sufficient forethought. The simple 21st century aquaculture. and indoor, algae used in in the latter of in which some of the food will be feeding. transposition of concepts from agriculture over 10,000 years to aquaculture has caused dysfunctions in produced within the system [email protected] 82 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 83

IMTA, a sustainable management model

ver the past 30 years, which One of the main attractions for Aquacría has recirculation since we have enough space to is roughly the time covered by this experience is the idea of using seaweed set up other circuits since those already in O industrial flatfish farming in Galicia, as a biofilter in the closed circuit installations place are experimental. my professional career has been geared this farm. And because of what it is to mainly towards innovation. I attribute the improve water quality, as well as economic I also note that the combination of different interest taken by the Marine Research Centre return, the joint decision was that the species trophic levels of species has, for scientists (CIMA) and the University of A Coruña most suitable for this purpose was the working in the industry, a highly suggestive (UDC), in the sense that it collaborates Saccharina latissima, an alga with nutritional power. Sergio Devesa (1953), a with the National Marine Aquaculture Plan value sold in Galicia. PhD in Biological Sciences JACUMAR in “Integrated Aquaculture: a pilot Finally, available data indicate that there from the University of Santiago de Compostela, experience for the development of multi- This species was supplied by the macralgae have been positive results with seaweed, currently holding the trophic farming systems, 2008-2011”, to this plant headed by the biologist, Juan molluscs, anemones and polychaetes, all position of CEO at the company Aquacría, a criterion and also to the circumstance that Manuel Salinas, at the Spanish Institute of commercial species in a turbot farm on land. fish farm located in the Aquacría installations have been the first Oceanography in Santander. The work presented by Guerrero, Cremades Pontevedra (Pontevedra), in this region to work with a closed circuit and Salinas, among others, under the call specializing in rearing turbot and sole. Since the seawater circulation system for producing Several species of mollusc filter feeders were by MARCUBA in the 2009 based in Havana, early 1980’s, he has also turbot and sole, also integrated into this experience. Space provides a wealth of information about that taught at university and in higher education, related and the supply of water from fish farm experience. to research and the On other occasions, I have conducted effluent were provided by Aquacría. Farming industrial production of experimental work at the CIMA, the first kelp in the fish farm effluent, according to The support involved in the participation of flatfish, which is his main line of work. He regularly of which being related to farming turbot data obtained to date, proved to be viable. the Spanish Ministry of the Environment, participates as a speaker industrially, an activity that is my main line of Rural and Marine Affairs, through the at seminars and other calls related to marine work since the 1980’s. Regulations and future National Advisory Board for Mariculture farming, particularly with Integrated farming systems, despite the (JACUMAR), the Regional Government regard to fish farming. His The IMTA experience at Aquacría is sets spread in the aquaculture industry in of Galicia, via the CIMA of the University career in the aquaculture industry has developed out to test the feasibility of diversifying several countries, in Galicia still lack the of A Coruña and the Spanish Institute from 1980 to today, as an production in a closed circuit fishfarming administrative regulations necessary to meet Oceanography, as well as administrations and external consultant, coach and also as CEO of some plant and, thereby, improve water quality. the demand of its application. In this respect, companies throughout the Spanish state, major energy companies there is a complex job to do, which would collaborate with this Plan, ensuring consistent operating in Galicia. The first contacts to propose this work were ideally involve scientists, companies and results that will certainly be usable in the Salvador Guerrero, a biologist at CIMA, governments, so that their contents would be medium and long term in fish farming and whom I have known for over 20 years, and acceptable to all. intensive farming of bivalve molluscs. also with Professor Javier Cremades, from the UDC. In the initial stages of this work, With respect to industry’s receptivity to IMTA, Eladio Santaella, the Spanish Institute of I would comment that the potential is great Oceanography in Madrid also took part. at the Aquacría installations with water [email protected] 84 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 85

The Sea, source of inspiration and wealth Experiences with seaweed, clams and sea urchins

or the company Porto-Muiños, Galicia’s developed ingenious methods to reuse sea y experience in hatchery farming results obtained were checked with some sea is a source of wealth and inspiration urchin shells and have also researched into of bivalve molluscs and sea urchin species of clams, specifically with pullet F and, for these reasons, all of us working giving value and making use of resources so M gave me first-hand knowledge of carpet shell and carpet shell. in this industry have respect and affection far underutilized. This includes discards from the uses of multi-trophic farming, enabling for it. One of the main premises that guides fishing, controlling marine pests through me to comment on it as an interesting system Over the past few years, we are also farming our development is to be respectful with the commercial exploitation by developing new for developing aquaculture. sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus). Feed for environment that gives us the products we products, energy efficiency of production young urchin is based on macroalgae and, produce and distribute. systems and others. One of the major difficulties that arises during the first months of life, soft texture in a nursery involves feeding the seed to macroalgae are used, which present problems Antonio Muiños (1962, As is known, our company has made a firm For all these reasons, when our friend and Dorotea Martinez achieve a certain size, because the amount of supply, since we obtain them when Santa Maria de Vigo, commitment to developing seaweed cultures scientific adviser, Javier Cremades, at the Patiño is a researcher of microalgae consumption is multiplied, washed ashore and only seasonally. Cambre, A Coruña), studied and head of the Marine at the Faculty of Law, of nutritional interest. We are not biologists laboratory of marine algae of the University Farming Plant in Ribadeo which means a considerable increase in space Santiago de Compostela and little do we understand of trophic levels of A Coruña, suggested that we should take (Lugo) of the Department requirements. In recent years, thanks to multi-trophic and, in 1982, founded of the Rural and Maritime Fungicultura Muiños, and other concepts that scientists give much part in developing multi-trophic aquaculture Environment of the systems, we have used algae fed with specializing in farming, relevance to; but what we do understand, systems, as part of a JACUMAR project, we Regional Government of The availability of time and labour required nutrients that come from feed for fish reared processing and marketing use plain words and everyday examples, that did not hesitate for one moment to provide Galicia. Since 1979, she for maintaining the seeds is yet another in a long-line system, with species supplied by mushrooms. This industry is dedicated to mollusc developed research with seaweed cultures are like grass: they live off our administrative concessions to carry out aquaculture. The lines factor that influences these processes. This Javier Cremades (UDC). Specifically, we use universities and technology the sun and the manure that we fertilize some of the experiences. We offered our full of work taking place in limits the ability of hatchery production, so the species Saccharina latissima, preserved centres. the CIMA in Ribadeo them with and, thus, becomes a circle of life support, especially when Cremades clearly are oriented towards it is of great interest to transfer the seed, in salt and then transferred to installations In 1998 with his wife, Rosa and nothing is left over. Everything is used to explained to us that that, in these systems, producing seed from a with as small a size as possible, into the where juvenile sea urchin are kept and Maria Mirás Antel, he set generate diversity and wealth. macroalgae play a crucial role in closing the series of marine seafoods natural environment or other pre-ongrowing consumed as needed. Exploitation of sea up Porto-Muiños, a pioneer of industrial interest. She in farming marine algae circle of recycling nutrients. also researches in the wild, installations. This would reduce the cost of urchin was high, no part of the algae was for human consumption. The business activity of Muiños Porto has hatchery conditioning, producing seed for farming. rejected and growth was significantly higher The industry made a spawning induction, constant effort in R&D+i, always been oriented to following the now We found Integrated Multi-trophic larval and post-larval than with other types of food. and the company is classical strategy of the three Rs: reduce, Aquaculture to be a very interesting and farming, seed rearing and To this end, and in the framework of regularly present at forums reuse and recycle. Nowadays we can not creative concept, which no doubt, would food at different stages experiences under the Jacumar Galicia Plan A first impression would be in the sense and shows. In 2009, he of cultivation. The main created the Porto-Muiños afford to throw anything away, let alone help diversification and sustainability of species in these studies on multi-trophic farming, experiments were that the practices and systems of integrated Cuisine Class. pollute our environment. Therefore, we have aquaculture in Galicia and, therefore, are grooved carpet shell, performed with pre-ongrowing seed reared multi-trophic aquaculture represent an energy pullet carpet shell clam, Porto-Muiños has been reduce the impact on the environment and banded carpet shell and in our installations in the effluent of an open saving, are economic and, consequently, awarded the 2011 resources, being to the benefit of all those carpet shell, as well as circuit turbot farm at Punta Moreiras. Some are an improvement in the environmental Biodiversity Foundation Porto-Muiños business razor shell and sword award, in the Entrepreneur who live off and for the sea, a source of of the initial advantages that I was able to management of marine aquaculture. has always been oriented razor shell (sword razor category. The company is wealth that we should not spoil, in the same shell, old sword razor shell note in this system are the availability of large actively involved in studies to following the now classical manner that one should never kill the goose and razor), donax and, volumes of water pumped with no additional aimed at a sustainable in recent years, farmed exploitation of the strategy of the three Rs: that lays the golden egg. sea urchin (Paracentrotus cost and, in addition, a flow rich in organic resource and conservation lividus). matter coming from the actual activity of of marine biodiversity. reduce, reuse and recycle [email protected] the fish and remains of feed. The favourable [email protected] 86 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 87

The contribution of INTECMAR

ne of the major competencies and organic nutrients) in addition to

Foto: Javier Cremades of this technological institute at phytoplankton and photosynthetic pigments. Oregional level is to comply with Since 2004, INTECMAR the administrative regulations on the According to the results obtained in is the official body of the quality of production of molluscs and other the offshore stations of the INTECMAR regional government of Galicia, which controls marine organisms. It is also committed to monitoring network of inorganic nutrients, the quality of the contributing to protecting and improving “the Galician rias can be considered as marine environment and the application of the quality of the marine environment, non-problematic areas in terms of the technical regulations and for which there is a protocol that includes state of eutrophication” (M.D. Doval). This sanitary requirements monitoring, control and investigation classification coincides with that made for for sea produce. In order to comply with of the environmental quality of coastal the Ria of Pontevedra in the latest ‘National these tasks, INTECMAR waters of Galicia, especially regarding the Report on the state of eutrophication in the is accredited by the UNE-EN ISO / IEC 17025 oceanographic conditions, phytoplankton, OSPAR maritime area’ of June 2007. “General requirements marine biotoxins, chemical contamination, for the competence of microbiology and pathology. The contribution made by INTECMAR to the testing laboratories and accreditation standard.” Jacumar project on multi-trophic farming This organization The monitoring network for oceanographic has been to provide oceanographic data depends on the Regional Department for the Rural conditions has 42 oceanic stations distributed on the rias of Arosa, Muros-Noia and Ares- and Marine Environment over the main Galician Rias and 16 coastal Betanzos. INTECMAR has also performed the and, when established, it stations distributed along the Galician coast, analysis of inorganic nutrients, chlorophyll took on the competencies and functions of the where sampling is carried out on a weekly and phytoplankton in water samples from Quality Control Centre of basis. experiences on land and sea, designed by the Marine Environment (CCCMM), inaugurated the group of researchers in Galicia who in 1992. This network makes it possible to determine have conducted experiences in multi-trophic the physical-chemical variables of water marine farming. The INTECMAR researchers (salinity, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, responsible for this collaboration are Maria fluorescence, transmittance, irradiance, Dolores Doval Gonzalez and Yolanda Pazos aromatic dissolved hydrocarbons, inorganic Gonzalez.

[email protected]

INTECMAR headquarters in Vilaxoán de Arousa (Pontevedra). 88 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 89

Meeting the demand for sustainable food production strategies

he increasing development of our spe- Although the techniques of integrated Integrated Multi-trophic interrelated) populations in order to have a cies on Earth involves the proportio- multi-trophic aquaculture are not new, Aquaculture also has benefits from sound basis for system management, based Tnal increase in food requirements and, and there are traditional farms where it the social point of view, on interactions between populations and alongside that the development of larger (and is widespread, especially in Asia (as in the as it diversifies the risks the influence of environmental conditions on better) economic and technological means to case of fishfarming in paddy fields), the population dynamics (without overlooking by producing several species ensure our continuity on the planet. In this development of concepts of sustainability more practical aspects such as the definition context, it is not surprising that mankind in- and the implementation of the “ecosystem” in different trophic levels of monitoring methods and situation Ignacio Arnal Atarés is creasingly focuses on the seas and oceans, approach for activities aquaculture indicators). linked up via the Spanish which cover nearly three quarters of the encourages the application of these new capacity of the farming areas, both due to a Institute of Oceanography (I.E.O.), where he is Head planet’s surface. And as we focus on marine integrated approaches to aquaculture farms, decrease in the emission of effluents per unit In terms of the economic benefits, they of the Department of resources, the first thing to be noted is that the aim being to improve the use of foods of biomass produced, and by the fact that a must be calculated not only in “accounting” Aquaculture, since the seventies. fishing is already approaching its maximum and nutrients, reduce environmental impact fair part of these effluents are metabolized by terms, but also from a broader perspective His activity has been sustainable level. Meanwhile, aquaculture is and make it possible to achieve higher and any of the farmed species (e.g., filter feeder in which the economic evaluation of social developed in research, growing strongly worldwide, although with better distributed social benefits. molluscs or algae). and economic aspects can be measured. This in advising private and public bodies, international significant geographical differences. assessment could be especially considered by the management of It is, therefore, undeniable that the In addition to these environmental consumers (buying preferences), and by the international programmes and specialized teaching. As regards aquaculture, the ocean and increase in the areas used for aquaculture advantages, integrated multi-trophic regulating bodies, establishing funding for He holds a degree in marine domains have so far been hostile to production, along with the development of aquaculture also has benefits from the social integrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems Biological Sciences from the human species, but new technological new production techniques, would make it point of view, as it diversifies the risks by in order to compensate for their lower ‘cost’ the University of Navarra (1970). His research work developments are allowing their use, possible to expand the range of aquaculture producing several species in different trophic environmental and social which, even though covers sea bream, sea promoted by the two expansive forces of products. But however, globalization, or levels, while broadening the social groups they are not noted in the company accounts, bass and mullet, prawn and shrimp. In 1974, he human development: the domestication of rather, the appearance of global markets, able to benefit from the activity. However, do not cease to exist. earned the title of I.E.O. species for production and the colonization orientates production towards monospecific two types of fundamental questions still oceanographer and, in of new media (or territories) to make these farming of a small number of species, using remain: the coupling between the various Today, no one disputes that the health of the 1976, he moved to the headquarters in Santander, productions possible. increasingly intensive production systems, productions and the improvement of profits ecosystem in which it is integrated is the best where he researched leading to increased environmental costs in order to attract investors. basis for well-being and quality of living. And into the production and exploitation of grooved These two initiatives (domestication and (intrinsic to these production systems), this, which we consider to be obvious for our carpet shell clam banks colonization), are as old as mankind, but the even though it must be recognized that As regards the coupling of the various species, is also the same for any other species in the Bay of Santander. big difference from the old is that now both investments are made to reduce and mitigate productions, it is essential to increase that is part of the system. Finally, he has been a member of the Organizing are able to apply a power hitherto unknown, environmental impact. knowledge about the mechanisms involved Committee and of the on a global scale, thanks to technological in the different farmed (internal and [email protected] Scientific Committee of the National Aquaculture development. This power is what should call In this context, where more ecological value is Conferences held in Spain. for an increased responsibility when applied given to the merits of integrated multi-trophic in order to ensure its sustainability. aquaculture, since it increases the load 90 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 91

Experience of rearing fish/molluscs

he Autonomous Regional Community The Galician coast supports a strong shellfish fish sector companies, particularly Insuiña, of Galicia is the world’s leading activity, based on collecting molluscs in the a pioneer farm in ongoing turbot, whose T producer of turbot, with about 7,000 intertidal and subtidal areas. The groups effluent, adapted for this purpose, was used tones per year, which means a stable stock involved in these tasks mainly comprises for developing tests on pre-ongrowing seed of 5,000 tonnes of farmed fish biomass. women, currently numbering over 3,500, of different species of commercial bivalves, Open circuit ongrowing plants located on while shellfish collecting from boats mainly provided by the company Remagro, which land require huge volumes of sea water to involves men and operating from around has an industrial mollusc hatchery. The operate, which is subsequently channeled 3,000 small boats. Apart from these figures composting testing company, Ecocelta, back into the sea. These effluents contain are the more than 1,100 farming parks in developed usage tests for bulk organic waste, Alejandro Guerra large amounts of suspended or dissolved Carril, inside the Ria of Arosa, in the province once compacted and adequately processed. Díaz holds a doctorate organic matter from feed waste. Part of this of Pontevedra. in Biology from the University of Santiago de particulate organic matter can be used as The success of these integrated fish-mollusc Compostela. His activity food for bivalve molluscs. This important, traditional social and cultures, as regards ongrowing molluscs, is over the years, both in the private sector as economic activity depends on farming largely linked to the operational practices of well as in the Fisheries In recent years, the fisheries administrations commercial mollusc seed, mainly clam. The the fish farms being developed in line with Administration of in Galicia and the Spanish State, the latter seed comes from recruitments of natural the management and farming of molluscs. In Galicia, has always been linked to the research through JACUMAR, has promoted projects populations or is provided either in the form short, through these processes of knowledge and development of and lines of research aimed at obtaining a of seeding, with juveniles from hatcheries generation on a semi-industrial scale, it is mollusc farming, in hatcheries and in the better use of the organic matter from the and seedbeds. One of the possible answers possible to create systems to integrate two natural environment, for effluent in fish farms, using bivalve mollusc to the high and increasing demand for seed aquaculture production plants: for fish and various species, including seed, mainly from nursery reared clams for ongrowing and rearing activity posed molluscs. With this synergy, the production of European flat oyster, variegated scallp, abalone, and oysters. These species act as “organic by shellfish collecting is the work and trials mollusc biomass is promoted, while driving clam and others. He extraction” filterers for the fine particles aimed at using effluent from fish farms to natural bioremediation systems to reduce the has authored numerous publications and has carried by the effluent. Other uses have been establish seed pre-ongrowing systems that organic content of the effluent from the fish participated in publishing looked for for the thick waste in the form are simple, efficient and profitable. farm, which improves water quality. scientific literature related of silt that is deposited in fish farm settling to research in marine farming. Since 2001, he tanks, including some uses in forestry and These projects were developed thanks to is director of the Marine agriculture. the essential collaboration of some of the [email protected] Research Centre (CIMA) of the Regional Department of the Rural and Marine The development The success of these integrated Environment under the Regional Government of of these projects farming projects is largely linked to Galicia. was possible the operational practices with the essential collaboration of the fish farms being developed of some of the companies in line with the handling in the fish farming sector and farming of molluscs 92 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 93

New Perspectives in aquaculture development

he National Multi-trophic Culture in 2010, presentations were made n the species from different levels in the trophic effects of aquaculture production processes Plan, promoted and financed by the development of real models applicable to chain. and also with regard to the capacity of the T Advisory Board for Marine Farming different species and different ecosystems. production systems. (Jacumar), arose at the initiative of Andalucía After an extended period of research, results A European strategy is also responsible for coordination. It were presented on a pilot scale, and it is The European Commission defines the In the field of the European Community, involves research centres and companies expected that some multi-trophic farming following as targets in the “Communication various directives relating to marine farming in Andalusia and the Balearic Islands, models will be adopted on an industrial scale on the strategy for the sustainable and waste from aquaculture have been Murcia, Canary Islands, Catalonia and by 2012. development of aquaculture”: established. As an example of this legislation, Galicia. It mainly sets ut to evaluate the which has been gradually transferred to Fátima Linares Cuerpo, implementation of integrated multi-trophic Galicia has excellent conditions for the • Create long-term secure employment, the Spanish state and to the autonomous a researcher attached farming systems in aquaculture in Spain, development of aquaculture because of particularly in areas dependent on fishing. region of Galicia, there is one that defines to the Marine Research Centre (CIMA), has been in order to demonstrate its feasibility and its geographical features, the waters and the concepts of sustainability and waste developing her work in environmental and economic efficiency. for having the appropriate technological • Increase the rate of growth of aquaculture treatment. This is the Order of 11th May, the field of aquaculture since 1980, mainly in infrastructure for aquaculture research and production in the EU. 2001, from the Regional Department of the the area of farming new The notion that this project opens up new training of skilled labour. Environment, regulating the basic content species of marine fish. possibilities for aquaculture in Galicia, which • Solve conflicts arising from the space of the studies to minimize the production of For several years now, her work has focused originated in 2007, led to the considerable While Galicia is, today, one of the world’s that now hinders the development of hazardous waste that are to be submitted primarily on the field interest in support it through the Department leading producers of mussel and turbot, it aquaculture. by authorized producers of waste (Official of nutrition at different stages of development of of Fisheries and Maritime Affairs. Today, this also has a considerable importance, from Gazette of Galicia, No. 97, 22nd May 2001). fish in intensive farming support has continued through the Regional a social and economic viewpoint, in terms • Ensure compliance with environmental as well as on octopus. Department of the Rural and Marine of bivalve farming in the intertidal zone. standards. An appropriate model for a correct She is currently manager at the CIMA responsible Environment. New species for farming can and should transfer of results to the production sector for programmes related be develop while bolstering existing ones. The criteria for sustainability in aquaculture and a contribution to the development to obtaining specific and sustainable feed The possibility of making filtering species, Within this context, we may consider inevitably entails supporting the lines of of aquaculture in Galicia derives from for commn sole and sea assimilating species and producers seaweed farming as an emerging trend research that generate the diversification of the approach of the project, involving a bream besides developing compatible, which act as biofilters, is not that is beginning to be important in Galicia. cultures and the use of systems and practices clear collaboration between researchers, paralarvae diets for octopus. She was Director a new idea. Recently, at the European In the Galician rias, over 600 species of that respect the environment, such as water companies and administrations where General of Innovation Congress on Aquaculture, held in Porto macroalgae coexist, and now some twenty recirculation involving energy savings. the task of making the results known and Development at the Regional Department of or so are marketed primarily as human In short, the adoption of more effective has an important role. Furthermore, the Fisheries and Maritime food products. It is, therefore, a progressive systems from the point of view of energy, the collaboration of companies from different In the Galician rias, Affairs (now the Ministry development that may lead to an increase environment and the economy. centres contributes to regional communities for the Rural and Maritime over 600 species of macroalgae Environment), during the in the number of species with commercial contributes to drawing efforts together in period 2005-2009 and, coexist, and now some twenty value. Furthermore, it is possible to add other Integrated aquaculture aims at the integral developing these aquaculture systems in the as such, has participated in the initial project or so are marketed primarily as cultures, including anemones or polychaetes. use of natural resources and provides a new Spanish State. development of multi- human food products One of the main objectives of this project approach from the environmental point of trophic cultures. is to study the possibilities of farming new view, by setting out to mitigate the possible [email protected] 94 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 95

A future option for aquaculture

he background to this project harks Spain, and that there is a certain level of • Preferably, and where possible, experiences once the plan is completed in December back to 2003, when a number of knowledge about this type of aquaculture. were to be conducted with three trophic 2011, preliminary results have been very T circumstances that were important for At institutional level, the project approved levels that represent the three taxonomic positive and have shown the existence of real the development of aquaculture in Spain and by JACUMAR was launched to generate the groups of fish, molluscs-crustaceans and options in diversifying and/or supplement the in Europe converged. Among them was the project in 2007. macroalgae. main cultures in aquaculture facilities. impressive growth of the sector in countries such as Greece and Turkey, there was more Some of the considerations prior to the The overall objective was “to evaluate the Other reflections and more insistent talk of the associated design of the project were: application of integrated multi-trophic Farming molluscs associated with fish, both environmental effects. On the other hand, farming systems in aquaculture in Spain.” in onshore installations and in installations José Carlos Macías is the arrival on the market of large amounts • Type of aquaculture systems and species at sea, is a viable combination industrially a technical advisor on of product began to pose a risk for the that develop in the autonomous regions From the methodological point of view, speaking and is of economic interest. fisheries and aquaculture matters, with over 15 economic balance of industries in countries of the Spanish State that were to take the project had an initial stage where the years of experience in with lower levels of production, such as participate in the project. different experiences developed in each Macroalgae associated with fish farms pose the sector. He began in a private companya Spain, France and Italy. region were defined. In the case of Andalusia, a major challenge from the standpoint of the and has subsequently • Dual purpose and objectives: to improve which also acted as the Steering Group for use of certain species. spent more than a It was in this context that the conference the environmental management of farms the plan, it was proposed to manage two decade working for the Fisheries Administration “Aquaculture Europe 2003 “Beyond where it was to be implemented and, integrated farming cultures on land and a Undoubtedly, the presence of complementary in Andalusia, as a Monoculture” was held in the Norwegian secondly, to promote the economic bolstering further two offshore. cultures in an installation lead to an technician and head of department. During that town of Trondheim, where experts from of companies by diversifying their production. additional, specific line of work that needs period, he has developed around the world presented their experiences Between 2009 and 2010, the scheduled to be analyzed in detail in order to make important lines of work developed in several countries in multi- • Diverse horizons in terms of space and experiences were put in place, with giant this option feasible from an entrepreneurial on strategic aspects aimed at consolidating trophic farming. time: six regions with conditions for farming, oyster and shrimp associated with fish point of view. The development of this the aquaculture industry, highly diverse species and systems, which farming facilities on land. Giant oyster and type of culture must be accompanied by such as the location of areas suitable for Adapting the concept to our status and led to the project having a considerable mussel were also worked with, associated a participatory process in order to develop integrated aquaculture. situation, integrated aquaculture could diversity of experiences. The programme with fish in cages, while a short test was regulations regarding any changes and He currently works as be broadly defined as the combination of period was set at 3/4 years in order to conducted with macroalgae. extension of culture authorizations, sanitary advisor-consultant for national and international different marine cultures, using species develop a more than one experience per controls, use of water and others. organizations. of several taxonomic groups in the same working group. Although the final results will be presented physical system or production facility, in order Finally, multi-trophic marine culture systems to improve the use of system resources and Farming molluscs associated The presence of complementary are a great opportunity for achieving the improve the environmental quality of the with fish, both in onshore cultures in an installation lead to sustainability of aquaculture, because they environment. installations and in installations an additional, specific line of work lessen their environmental impact and at sea, is a viable combination that needs to be analyzed in detail enable companies to have other products by It should be borne in mind tha multi-trophic diversifying. industrially speaking and is of in order to make this option feasible cultures already existed, in a sense, in the wild in the wetlands plants in southern economic interest from an entrepreneurial point of view [email protected] 96 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 97

A food production model

ntegrated aquaculture has many are going through a process of significant industry and aquaculture, through the 2. The initiative of the business sector definitions and the concept proposed political, social and economic change and, connotations of environmental sustainability, motivated by existing success stories. I by the FAO is of particular interest: an consequently, there will be numerous which embrace the concept of integrated 3. A commitment from the researchers to aquaculture system that shares resources, reforms, one of which is bound to be aquaculture. focus their studies on applied research water, food, management and use of changes in the systems of food production. that can be transferred to aquaculture common infrastructure within the same or Right now, aquaculture in the medium and For this reason, it is time to work on four companies. associated activity with other activities such large scale, as a food production system, has aspects in order to revitalize and consolidate 4. The interest of society in promoting as agriculture, agroindustry, livestock and an opportunity to adopt guidelines that will multi-trophic farming: responsible food production systems, others. This definition includes aquaculture shape the dominant trend in terms of food from the social, economic and Marina Fernández as a type of food production which, when quality, efficiency in the use of resources, 1. The legal and regulatory support of the environmental viewpoint. Lora holds a degree in analyzing its characteristics, has been environmental friendliness and social administration so that the development Marine Sciences from the University of Cadiz, where and is used in many parts of the world responsibility. of these practices in aquaculture she later completed her by small producers and on a small scale. production become common practices. [email protected] studies with a Master in Fisheries and Aquaculture. The suitability of this practice is based on In general terms, this trend coincides with Over the last eight years, diversification arising from integrating the main characteristics of multi-trophic she works in aquaculture cereals, vegetables, fish, trees, farm animals or integrated cultures, which propose the in the private and public sectors. Currently and others, providing them with a stable sustainable growth of aquaculture through working at the Agency production, efficiency in the resources used the efficient use of natural resources for Agricultural and Fisheries Management and conservation of the environment. and the improvement of water quality, of Andalusia (AGAPA) incorporating species from different trophic under the Regional It is interesting to reflect on these models levels (fish-molluscs-algae), which remove Government of Andalusia Agriculture and Fisheries of food production and how, paradoxically, organic and inorganic compounds from the Department, a body they are used in regions with more limited main culture. It should not be overlooked that takes part in and coordinates the Jacumar resources (water, land, electricity and that IMTA promotes the competitiveness National Integrated others), and means (technological and of aquaculture production by diversifying Multi-trophic Aquaculture economic), and yet with a community species and improving the image of the Plan. Additionally, she is involved in cooperation concept responsible for the use of available projects in marine resources. culture, backed by her The development training, which includes having completed a Although the scales are different in this and sustainability of marine Master in Cooperation respect, and extrapolating this to our for Development aquaculture includes, and Management of reality, the development and sustainability among other things, reviewing Cooperation Projects. of marine aquaculture includes, among the practices mentioned above other things, reviewing the practices mentioned above as regards the efficient as regards the efficient use of use of resources. It is undeniable that we resources 98 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 99

Innovation applied to production: integrated aquaculture

n order to lay the groundwork for the quality of products, especially in the case of The use of integrated farming systems By way of a conclusion, it should be noted future of aquaculture at EU level, in 2009, molluscs. shows a number of advantages that are that the development of this innovative I the European Commission published the intrinsic to the process itself and the place activity will make it possible for companies document “Building a sustainable future for In this regard, it should be remembered that where it is developed since, among other to position their products competitively in aquaculture: A new impetus for the Strategy the productive interests and the economic things, it makes it possible to maximize and consumer preference segments, which include for the Sustainable Development of European results of fish farming companies depend, make the most of natural areas for cultures valued aspects such as quality and diversity. Aquaculture” [COM (2009)]. This community to a greater or lesser extent, on the quality which, as is know,n are increasingly It is also considered positive for them to have María del Mar Agraso approach is based on the principal axes of the ecosystems in which they operate. limited and restricted. In this regard, it is been farmed on a sustainable basis. Martínez (Cadiz, 1980), that should guide the development of Moreover, the regulations and environmental noted that the coasts of Spain have an holds a degree in Marine Sciences from the aquaculture in the years to come: promoting regulations are increasingly demanding, outstanding wealth of aquatic biotopes: Finally, these initiatives in the field of IMTA, University of Cadiz, where competitiveness, laying the foundations for in the same manner as social awareness salt marshes and sea in the South of will promote a better image and social she completed her Master studies in International sustainable growth and improving the image regarding these matters. The marine farming Spain, rias in Galicia, confined areas and acceptability of aquaculture in response Fisheries and Aquaculture. and governance. industry has, in recent years, dramatically marine areas. All these environments are to environmental, cultural and economic She has worked for over increased the implementation of corrective ideal for biotechnological use and for the aspects. 8 years in the private and public sectors in planning and protective measures designed to production of commercial species, including and management of The development minimize, among other things, the impact molluscs, crustaceans, echinoderms and In any case, the development of these aquaculture, promoting new private initiatives of these aquaculture systems generated by the activity. algae. Furthermore, IMTA has other aquaculture systems depends on a productive and optimizing production depends on a productive advantages: the sustainable development and economic strategic planning process, management in These circumstances have created the need of complementary productive activities, making it possible to achieve business technical, economic and and economic strategic planning for further work to optimize production integrated in the main culture system objectives and, therefore, to strengthen the environmental aspects. process, making it possible She is currently working processes and applied innovation. In while reducing the potential environmental future prospects of these companies. at the Technological to achieve business objectives Aquaculture Centre in this regard, introducing technology has impact on the environment, besides Andalusia, CTAQUA advanced in technifying food supply and increasing the profitability of production. [email protected] (www.ctaqua.es), a body In terms of promoting competitiveness and improving culture management, as well whose responsibilities include promoting diversification, the Commission proposes as improving company competitiveness, competitiveness the development of the sector through in- focusing on production aspects and the innovation in aquaculture companies and meeting novation. To achieve sustainable growth development of new activities that will business needs through and respect for the environment, there are be sustainable, which is precisely where the development of different proposals including new strategies integrated multi-trophic aquaculture finds research applied to the different production to improve compatibility between aquacultu- its framework. IMTA is defined as a type of processes. re and the environment and provide a clean aquaculture designed to supplement the medium for marine farming and water of the main fish culture with other species that use highest quality, aimed at ensuring the health the waters of the facility, rich in nutrients for of aquatic animas as well as the safety and their proliferation and growth. 100 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 101

Some examples of unsustainable aquaculture The challenge of a sustainable aquaculture

uch of the fish farming in the sinking (1). Another negative consequence is quaculture is an increasingly area where very different species are used: Western world uses fishmeal, from that toxins from the tentacles of the jellyfish important activity worldwide, M small fish to make feed for other poison the fish, making it unviable for A among other reasons because of its 1. Some need to be fed (fish). fish. There is a different case: the rearing human consumption. Other negative effects favorable impact on employment and ability 2. Others grow using organic matter in of ducks in Egypt, where feces are used to were also found in fish farms: recently, the to generate wealth in coastal communities. suspension, mainly plankton (as in the case of encourage the growth of phytoplankton. only salmon farm in Northern Ireland lost Furthermore, commercial fisheries are bivalve mollusc filter feeders) and From the point of view of energy supply, all its production, due to the proliferation suffering a major setback, partly due to 3. Others use inorganic matter (as in feeding within the same link in the food of jellyfish, which has led to a mortality of overexploitation. Meanwhile, aquaculture the case of algae). Thereis even a fourth chain using fish to feed fish involves a loss more than 100,000 salmon and, thus, the production has grown dramatically, rising to level, detritivores, (as in the case of many John Bayes is director of of biological efficiency of 80%, derived from loss of millions of euros (2). Juan Luis Barja Pérez, almost 50% of world fisheries, according to crustaceans), using the remains from all the Seasalter Shellfish, since the metabolic processes. holds a degree in Biology FAO estimates. above. 1970 and is a member of from the University of the Shellfish Association Apart from these examples, which may Santiago de Compostela of the United Kingdom. Clearly, the demand for protein for human not be important to anyone who is not (USC), and is Professor The challenge at present is the sustainability The mixture (integration) of organisms from He is considered to be a of Microbiology at world authority on farmed consumption is on the increase, and a aware of the importance of ecosystems the Department of of aquaculture, which includes fish, molluscs, different trophic levels mimics the function bivalves. major source of supply comes from fish and biodiversity, there are also others that Microbiology and of the natural ecosystem, assuming that they His company has farming. In my opinion, the only acceptable pose huge economic losses, in euros, for Parasitology, CIBUS, in all play their part in the recycling of organic developed systems for the Faculty of Biology and The mixture (integration) diets for farmed fish are coming from fish fishermen and farmers. Clearly, when you Institute of Aquaculture matter while contributes to an important bivalve hatcheries and of organisms from seedbeds in Europe, discards, also called “rubbish fish”, which eliminate a species from an ecosystem, its of the USC. He also has aspect of future aquaculture, which would a Master in Biology and America and Asia. Its goes largely untapped, despite being an place is taken up by others that can cause different trophic levels increase the diversification of cultures. production strategy a PhD in Microbiology includes three- important part of the catches. new problems. In fact, this is not really a from the same Faculty. mimics the function dimensional system (up question of agreeing or not, as there is He has researched for Other aspects to consider for IMTA are the the Department of of the natural ecosystem flow system), which The effects of overfishing on marine evidence demonstrated in various scientific sanitary issues. The experience built up over allows for very high seed Microbiology, University densities in confined ecosystems are increasingly evident publications. of Maryland, College Park, other invertebrates and algae. Improving the years indicates that fish pathogens are spaces. MD (U.S.A.), between and disturbing. In the North Sea, after 1979 and 1980, and various aspects (growth, reproduction, health, not usually pathogens from molluscs or other In the oyster and clam authorizing the Danish fishermen to also at the Department food, waste management, etc.), in the invertebrates and vice versa. hatchery that the catch eels and small fish of the herring (1) A 10-tonne fishing boat sunk by jellyfish. The of Microbiology & production of farmed species is a prerequisite company has in Reculver, Immunology, Medical family, food normally consumed by Telegraph. 2nd November, 2009. By Julian Ryall in for improving efficiency and ensuring this With the improvement of feed characteristics, (United Kingdom), all Tokyo. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/6483758/ School, Oregon University mother units, algae seabirds practically disappeared, with the Japanese-fishing-trawler-sunk-by-giant-jellyfish.html (U.S.A.) in 1981. sustainability. the widespread use of vaccines has led to a and seed operating in an open circuit system, consequent reduction of their populations. drastic reduction in the use of antibiotics and using heat exchangers Another example: overfishing is the origin (2) The only salmon farm in Northern Ireland has At present, compared to classic monoculture antiparasite treatments, and the establishing between water input and of the proliferation of jellyfish and their been destroyed by an invasion of jellyfish. (mussels in the Galician estuaries or salmon of rigorous sanitary checks, there has been output, which entails 100,000 salmon valued at one million pounds, have energy efficiency, reducing concentration in different locations of the died. The Independent Nature. 22nd November 2007. in Chile), which involve the inherent risk of a qualitative leap towards such necessary space and simplifying the world’s oceans. This proliferation results in By Deric Henderson. http://www.independent.co.uk/ being susceptible to commercial problems formulas entailing the sustainability and installation. environment/nature/jellyfish-invasion-wipes-out-fish- fishing nets becoming clogged and in Japan, farm759008.html and to diseases, the concept of integrated profitability of the aquaculture industry. has led to the sinking of small fishing boats multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) , which or the loss of nets, to prevent the boat [email protected] involves organizing a polyculture in a given [email protected] 102 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 103

Assessing the potential of bioremediators to utilize waste products from intensive aquaculture systems using a mass balance model

here is currently much interest in quantify the necessary energy and nutrient of sediments below intensive fish cages of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) applying the principles of integrated intake of each species and to predict and since grey mullet has commercial value might be used as an example. Assuming, T multi-trophic aquaculture to retention efficiencies as well as the output in many countries, a potential source of that 1.40 ton of feed is needed to produce existing intensive fish and shellfish farms of solid and dissolved nutrients. Using an additional farmed product is provided one ton of sea bass, the solid waste output Ingrid Lupatsch holds by capturing waste nutrients via lower known feed inputs as carbon, nitrogen and (Lupatsch et al. 2003). is predicted to be 74kg carbon and 8 kg a degree in Fisheries trophic level organisms, thereby reducing phosphorus, a total nutrient budget can nitrogen. Based on the above estimates we Biology from the Christian Albrechts University environmental impacts and yielding be established using the following mass A similar approach was employed to can conclude that up to 129 kg of Alitta Institute of Marine additional valuable products. Various studies balance: regenerate the organic waste of a land virens could be produced as a valuable Science, Kiel, Germany, have suggested the use of invertebrates based sea bass (Sparus aurata) farm using by-product by feeding on particulate waste and has a PhD from the Institute of Animal or demersal fish to assist in the task of total food input marine polychaetes. Detritivorous polychaete originating from the production of 1 ton of Nutrition, University of sediment remediation. = retention (growth) worms are farmed commercially as live bait sea bass. Bonn, Germany. For over twenty years, she has + faeces (solid waste) for sport angling and most recently as an worked at the National The main concept of integrated systems + excretion (dissolved waste) ingredient in feeds for finfish and crustacea. In summary, such a treatment process Center for Mariculture is to convert the soluble and solid waste Such polychaetes, including the king creates a positive incentive for the fish in Eilat, Israel, and since 2007, participates in products of the main culture organism Each part of this equation is quantitatively ragworm, Alitta virens, can utilize detritus farmer, who could gain an additional income the research group of (fish or shrimp) into additional valuable measured with the exception of the and decaying organic matter and may thus from the capture of nutrients by the cultured the Research Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture, products thereby reducing environmental dissolved waste, which is calculated in the potentially serve as bioremediators. A study by-products while simultaneously reducing Swansea University, U.K.. impacts and increasing the sustainability of model as the difference. was carried out to evaluate the efficiency nutrient output to the environment. Her research is on basic the farming operation. In such as system, of production of Alitta virens when grown and applied aspects of aquatic animal nutrition , species are cultured separately permitting This approach has been put to the test in a solely on solid waste collected from a fish REFERENCES in a variety of species, such intensification, optimization of production field study using grey mullet Mugil cephalus tank compared to a pelleted formulated as teleost fish, crustaceans and better control of nutrient flow and as a bioremediator to reduce the benthic feed. Results showed, that to produce 1 kg Lupatsch I., T. Katz and D.L. Angel (2003). Assessment of the and invertebrates, with removal efficiency of fish farm effluents by grey mullets: uptake. impacts of sea bream cage farms in the Red of Alitta virens solely on waste sludge a total emphasis on bioenergetics, A nutritional approach. Aquacult. Res., 34: 1367–1377. digestibility, energy and Sea. This study showed, that grey mullets, of 22.6 MJ gross energy (= 502 g carbon) the quantification of protein requirements, However, to increase the profitability of the when kept in benthic enclosures beneath and 387 g crude protein (= 62 g nitrogen) food formulation and the overall production, it is necessary to predict the fish cages, effectively removed 4.2 g are needed compared to just 12.4 MJ gross [email protected] evaluation of ingredients, the amounts of the nutrient fluxes between organic carbon, 0.70 g nitrogen and 7.5 energy and 286g crude protein when grown all designed to improve food systems and to the various organisms meaning the uptake, mg phosphorus per kg mullet per m2 per on pelleted feeds. successfully manage the the retention efficiency and deposition day from the organically enriched sediment. waste produced by fish farms in cages and on of new biomass. This can be done by a Thus deployment of grey mullets may be To put this into the perspective of an land. nutritional approach that enables us to an efficient means to improve the quality integrated aquaculture system the culture 104 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 105

Aquaculture as an answer to dietary imbalance in westernised societies

t has often been noted that societies which by the rapid increase in consumption of utilised in fishmeal are unlikely to be directly ReferencEs have a high proportion of seafood in the omega-6 fats over the past 30 or so years. consumed on a scale that would represent diet suffer much lower levels of many of William Lands (1) demonstrated a powerful good utilisation in the foreseeable future. So (1) Lands, |W 2008 A critique of paradoxes in current advice I on dietary lipids. Progress in Lipid Research 47, 77-106. the diseases which we now associate with association between risk of coronary heart aquaculture makes available not only protein (2) Brunner E., Jones P., Friel S. and Bartley M., 2008 Fish, the ‘western’ diet. Heart disease in particular disease and excess omega-6 in the diet. but large amounts of marine omega-3s that human health and marine ecosystem health: policies in is very much lower in Japan than in the would otherwise be inaccessible to large collision. International Journal of Epidemiology 2009, west. The Mediterranean diet is typified as Eric Brunner et al in 2008 (2) pointed out the numbers of people. 38;93-100. (3) Chopin T., Troell M., Reid G.K., Knowler D., Robinson Clive Askew farmed being high in mono-unsaturated oleic acid, conflict between increasing need for seafood S.M.C., Neori A., Buschmann A.H., Pang S.J. and Fang J. the first batches of from olive oil. It also includes good intakes to meet human health requirements and The development of responsible sourcing 2010 Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) – a Crassostrea gigas in Great Britain in the 70’s and also of fruit, nuts and seafood, the latter being the pressures on wild fisheries and marine policies in fisheries (eg Marine Stewardship responsible practice providing diversified seafood pro- analysed the economic the only source of ready-formed long chain ecosystem health. They also pointed out Council- MSC), aquaculture (Aquaculture ducts while rendering biomitigative services through its feasibility of farming extractive components. Abstracts. Aquaculture Europe oyster with seed produced omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAS), that the evidence base for health advice on Stewardship Council-ASC) and fishmeal 2010. Porto. Portugal. in hatcheries. He worked principally EPA and DHA. Whilst humans can seafood consumption remains poor. The (International Fishmeal and Fish Oil in this field in the U.K. and elongate short chain fatty acids into these European Food Safety Authority EFSA has Association- IFFO Improvers Programme) will Spain, and later created [email protected] the consultancy, Marine essential long-chain forms, the process is recently recognised claims for EPA/DHA in play an important role in ensuring that not Culture Technology. From limited and is poorly quantified. A further maintaining normal cardiac function, normal only fisheries but also aquaculture develop in 1991 to 2008, he was Deputy Director of the source of dietary imbalance is the presence triglyceride levels and normal blood pressure, a sustainable way. Shellfish Association of of high levels of short-chain omega-6 fatty but evidence remains equivocal on other Great Britain (SAGB), and acids in the modern western diet, originating health claims, so more evidence is needed. For fish aquaculture to continue expanding, also a founding member of the European Mollusc from many oil seeds such as sunflower, greater reliance will need to be placed on Producers Association corn-oil and soy oil but also present in Given the state of global fisheries, the micro-algal culture as a future source for (EMPA-EMPA). Another of his lines of work was many animal feeds. These suppress people’s only practical solution to this shortage of omega-3 PUFAS for incorporation into fish developed in the field of ability to elongate omega-3s, because they marine omega-3s is to increase the scale of feeds. This was reviewed by Arnauld Muller- omega-3. He continues compete for the same elongation enzymes. aquaculture massively. Marine omega-3s Feuga in Microalgal Culture (Blackwell to advise in aquaculture and also works as a So the requirement for ready-formed marine originate in the algae, both phytoplankton Publishing 2004). He estimated a global fishing consultant for the EPA and DHA is further increased in the and benthic. Filter feeders and gastropod shortfall of 10-15 million tonnes of PUFAS Fishmongers’ Company of London. western diet. The reality is, however, that grazers are therefore a very direct and by 2020. Much of this may be produced for much of the population, seafood is a sustainable way of making this available using algae in heterotrophic fermentation, minor component in the diet and for many to humans. And despite the criticism in addition to photosynthetic culture. Clearly individuals it is completely absent. of fish farming of carnivorous species, aquaculture has a significant part to play in heavily reliant on fishmeal, the reality is providing a healthy diet for more people. So deficiency of marine omega-3 PUFAS that conversion is very efficient relative to represents a major imbalance in the modern farming warm blooded animals, which are western diet and has been exacerbated also fed supplementary fishmeal. The species 106 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 107

Multi-trophic aquaculture in irrigation reservoirs

he concept of multi-trophic in water bodies of the floodplain of rivers or when full and when dried up, the growth The problem with these programmes is aquaculture involves species being reservoirs used for irrigation in agriculture. curves of the species, and the availability to train communities as they only have T mixed to exploit the various links These projects were primarily funded by the of natural food in the reservoir. In Andhra an experience cycle/year and adjustments in the food chain, is not new and has its World Bank, with the articipation of the FAO Pradesh, where fry have “stunted” fish of in seed density vary from one reservoir origins in carp polyculture in China. Today Investment Centre, in most cases for their ten months of age whose growth has been to another and depending on whether in mariculture, research is conducted into design and supervision. delayed on purpose to keep them in pre- it is the monsoon season or otherwise. combining intensive fish farming with rearing at very high power densities and Furthermore, there are also few technicians filtering molluscs and algae in order to These projects have been launched in the feed very low in protein, have achieved trained in these new concepts. To this end, reduce at least part of the environmental Indian states of Orissa, Assam, Madhya spectacular growth in five months of research and training programmes have Mario Pedini gradua- impact of the intensive farming of fish and, Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh rearing. Once these fry are reintroduced been proposed on hydrology and changes ted from the Faculty of at the same time, obtain economic benefit and Tamil Nadu, and designs have been into an extensive environment, they have a in capacity of the reservoirs that the Indian Biological Sciences, at the University of Barcelona from the use of the organic and inorganic improved on as experience is built up and growth rate that is much higher than the government and the states should put in and has worked at the waste generated. In traditional extensive the best material was used to seed the fry that are not subject to this process of place. These techniques have a considerable FAO from 1973 until his retirement in 2005. He or semi-intensive polyculture, there is a reservoirs. India has tens of thousands of growth retarding. With combinations of social potential if one considers the has been Senior Advisor tendency to look for combinations of species small reservoirs with maximum flooded areas three or four species of Indian carps and poverty of rural communities in central and for the Development of with different feeding habits that optimize covering between 10 and 1,000 hectares. some Chinese, productions of over four kilos southern India, not to mention the poverty Aquaculture at the FAO, and officer of Fisheries protein processing of natural energy and Some of these reservoirs were built four or per hectare have been obtained in initial of fishermen in particular, and the positive and Aquaculture in the nutrients from the farming ponds. five centuries ago to dam up water during trials. in cycles of seven to eight months, as impact on the income of the families World Bank Cooperative Programme. During his the monsoon period for subsequent use in opposed to the less than thirty kilogrammes concerned. professional career at the Although these forms of carp pond irrigation. There are few reservoirs that hold of low value fish obtained before the start of FAO, he has worked on polyculture were traditional in China, and water throughout the entire year, and they these projects. [email protected] projects in the field and at headquarters in Rome. are profusely described in the literature begin to fill up with the monsoon rains from It has been responsible and in manuals and slides of the FAO June to July, usually becoming completely for formulating and monitoring field projects dating back to the decade 1970-80, the dry between December and March. in all continents and country’s modernization led to a shift has held positions as towards intensive farming, with the Production in these reservoirs before these technical secretary on several committees on additional use of artificial feeding, water new projects was non-existent or very low, fisheries and aquaculture, and energy for aeration of ponds to in the order of ten to thirty kilogrammes/ especially the Mediterra- nean (GFCM) and Latin achieve more production per unit area, but hectare. In some, fishermen used to seed America (COPESCAL). He also to involving a greater environmental very small young (cheaper), which had a was cofounder of the FAO impact and operating costs due to a higher high initial mortality rate, with no time to aquaculture newsletter and author / editor of production. reach commercially interesting sizes. The several publications. new seeding strategies have involved using After retiring in 2005, has worked as a consultant Since the early 80’s in Bangladesh and since larger fry of several species of Indian carps on World Bank projects in the 90’s in India, there have been extensive in seeding densities that take into account India and Madagascar. polyculture projects to increase production the variation of both the size of the reservoir 108 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 109

Integrated farming experience with croaker, variegated scallop, mussel and sea cucumbers

ne of the advantages of integrated analysis of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus ongrowing devices. Commercial size is int mesh bags, leading to a survival rate of farming systems is an environmental from sediment samples. achieved after 19 months of immersion, almost 90%. O improvement of installations, the optimum time for collection being at as other organisms consume the waste The results obtained are as follows: 22 months. At this point, the number of • The isotopic signature of C and N mainly produced by the main culture. commercial sized individuals is reduced since comes from animal feed surplus used in • The catching systems collect variegated new recruits are captured. feeding cages and from particulate organic The experience with the cages at the Marine scallop seed (Chlamys varia), flat oyster matter which, in turn, contains the isotopic José María Valencia Research Laboratory and Aquaculture (Ostrea edulis) and other bivalve molluscs • The undersized variegated scallops may signature of these surpluses, showing that Cruz holds a degree (Puerto de Andratx, Balearic Islands) complex that have no commercial interest. In gain weight. But however, management filtering M. galloprovincialis and C. varia are in Biology from the Universidad Complutense pursues this goal, apart from evaluating addition, these collectors are used as must be extremely rigorous because of its an efficient system for reducing the organic de Madrid. In 1991, he the economic potential of the production a refuge for a small shrimp (Lysmata ethology. Once cut off, if kept out of the load associated with aquaculture cages. Sea joined the research team in aquaculture in the obtained thanks to the integrated farming seticaudata), which has a certain economic water, they attempt to shift by opening cucumbers are less efficient. Autonomous Community system. interest as it can be used as bait in angling. and closing their valves, which makes them of the Balearic Islands, Flat oyster was not ongrown because it has dry up. Therefore, they should always be • It has not been possible to establish now called LIMIA. He has participated For the purposes of this experience, a bivalve a high mortality due to marteiliosis, which is handled in the water while keeping them that sea cucumbers reduce the content in in investigations into collector system was mounted in the cages, endemic to the Balearic Islands. dry for as short a time as possible. The first nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon in the larval rearing of dentex, rubberlip grunt, croaker upwind of the mainstream in the port of tests carried out gave a mortality rate close sediment. The cause is unknown and may and warty venus. He also Andratx, consisting of plastic mesh bags • Scallops are in the spawning stage from on 95%. This is because once put into be due to several factors: anthropogenic contributed to studies measuring 9 mm filled with 5 mm plastic October to June. It was noted that they do baskets for ongrowing, the individuals swim influences, the cages act as sediment traps, on catching octopus and lobster with traditional mesh and an ongrowing net with mussels not feed in July and August. and insert one of the valves in the mantle sediment movements in the temporal and/or techniques and mapping attached to it. Also, just below the fish of another variegated scallop. At this point, terrigenous contributions due to rain. areas potentially suitable 2 for aquaculture in the rearing cages, a 3 m fence was mounted of • The presence of Perkinsus mediterraneus they are unable to break away and the Balearic Islands. He with sea cucumbers, to enable them to be was detected in variegated scallop and wounds kill them. This problem has been currently heads the sub- fed with particulate matter (uneaten feed oyster. overcome by introducing each individual [email protected] projects of integrated aquaculture and rearing and faeces), which falls from the cages. of common octopus, • Due to the fact that the collector system besides health plans in fisheries and aquaculture In order to confirm that the filter feeders is efficient in catching the protected bivalve and follow-up of the (scallops and mussels), and detritivores (sea Pinna nobilis, its design is used in a project production areas of cucumbers), feed on waste deriving from on this species. bivalve molluscs in the Balearic Islands. the main activity, analyses were conducted on the isotopic flux of carbon and nitrogen. • Variegated scallop catching is highest Studies were also made to determine between October and April. whether there has been an improvement over the living sediment holothurians by • The same collectors can be used as 110 integrated multitrophic aquaculture integrated multitrophic aquaculture 111

Another way to increase the value of waste Fish and seaweed

n Galicia intensive mussel farming leads to result of this, tipping has been curbed. ariculture began developing salmon trout array (the “steel head” variety) was also a significant amount of waste in the form farming in salt water in 1976, so farmed, in salt water, giving excellent results. Iof material from unused floating rafts. To date, we have conducted several R&D+i Mthat when I joined in 1977, I took 300 tonnes per year of sea salmon trout This involves ropes and other elements that research projects on possible applications of part in the design of the floating cage, weighing 1,500 g were produced. are now fully recycled. Alongside this, the mussel shells. In this field, we have obtained currently operational at those installations. canning industry also generates waste, the several patents, including a bed for livestock The model was constructed from galvanized The first experience with turbot was most important being shells from bivalves, stabling, substrata for gardens, golf courses steel with plastic floats moored to the bottom conducted bottom moored cages, whose primarily mussel, cockle and clam, disposal and football pitches, and substrata for of the Ria of Ortigueira. The first Spanish design was similar to the floating version, of which is a problem, but if appropriately beaches and farm parks. experience of salmon farming was carried out but with floats and netting on all six sides. José Manuel Cousido processed products become commercially Fernando Nieto Cortijo with these artifacts. This was another innovative experience in Súarez, Abonomar valuable. We are currently collaborating with research was technical director Spain, which proved successful. Turbot would director since 1989, is an of the four farms in entrepreneur and pioneer teams from several universities to carry out freshwater salmonid The species worked with initially was Atlantic ongrow in contact with a sandy bottom and, in finding solutions for In 1989, the company Abonomar, based on innovative projects as well as with private mariculture, from 1977 salmon (Salmo salar), but the characteristics when reaching commercial size, they were waste management in to 1996. These farms the canning industry. the Isle of Arosa (Pontevedra), started to companies that develop products involving annually produce 200,000 of the Ria of Ortigueira - high-speed flow, placed in floating cages. We obtained 200 Abonomar has focused work as the first Galician industry to recycle mussel shells. juvenile salmon (smolt) for shallow draft and low-tide water depth in tonnes per year of turbot. its activity on recycling seashells. This business initiative arose with ongrowing in salt water the mooring channels, generated a range shells, by a process and in floating cages in of revaluation. Their the objective of providing solutions to the We have developed mineral supplements for the Ria of Ortigueira (A of water temperatures that made salmon As far as molluscs are concerned, they were products are backed by problem of waste generated by the canning the poultry industry in general using shells Coruña) and, occasionally, farming impracticable. reared in an intertidal park in the Ria of R&D+i research, aimed at in the Ria of Muros (A developing new products. industry. from oyster and from other bivalves. Coruna). In addition to Ortigueira and on floating beds in the Ria Finally, it should be noted that waste from that, 2,000 tonnes per Due to stress, populations proved to be of Muros. Work involved Japanese oyster, In general terms, one can say that this work on the floating beds is transformed, in year of rainbow trout vulnerable, with high mortality rates in grooved carpet shell and carpet shell. and 2,000,000 tonnes of economically feasible industrial alternative collaboration with several Galician livestock trout and salmon eggs the commercial sized individuals. The was applied to treating waste generated cooperatives, to be used as organic matter were reared to self-supply decision was to work with Coho salmon This is the technical background and the its own production and by the revaluation technique known in nutrients for grasslands, with very good to supply third parties. (Oncorhynchus kisutch), a Pacific variety. species that have been farmed in mariculture. as the three “R’s”: Reduce, Reuse and results. Currently, and since 1996, An experience was conducted using the cages Recycle. Through this process, waste from he is fisheries inspector for Other species involving multi-trophic cultures with turbot the Regional Department aquaculture and the processing industry is [email protected] of the Rural and Maritime Farming salmon began with the incubation and the macroalgae Saccharina latissima. In converted into ecological products that are Environment of the of fertilized eggs and, after nine months fact, in the submerged cages what might Regional Government of environmentally friendly. Galicia. of ongrowing in fresh water, the smolts be called a “reef effect” occurred, gradually were transferred to Sismundi, Cariño. After and, in a natural way, forming colonies of Abonomar is a pioneer in the recycling of acclimatization in tanks with salt water, while algae, invertebrates and fish that live off the seashells and has a corporate commitment adding salt to food, they were placed in remains of feed. This suggests the possibility to the industries operating responsibly with cages submerged in the river for ongrowing that different links in the food chain within a the waste that they generate, offering them until reaching commercial size, which was single ecosystem are compatible, due to the legal coverage in the management and, as a set at about 1,250 g. There were around relationships established between species. 500 tonnes a year of this salmon. Rainbow [email protected]